Floral diversity and implications in palaeoenvironment of Vemavaram Formation (Krishna Depression), Krishna–Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study deals with the plant megafossil assemblage and associated environment of the Vemavaram Formation (Krishna Depression), Krishna–Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India. The plant fossils are collected from Vemavaram (currently known as Ommevaram), Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh. Sixteen taxa are recognised including four new species, namely Dictyozamites ommevaramensis, Ptilophyllum heterophylla, Pagiophyllum ommevaramensis and Elatocladus loyolii alongwith twelve known species. The Early Cretaceous flora from the Vemavaram Formation is compiled and compared with the floras of Budavada Formation (Krishna Depression), Golapalli and Raghavapuram formations (Godavari Depression). The floral components of the two depressions are broadly similar and together can be referred as Krishna–Godavari basinal flora. The associated environments are reconstructed by taking into account evidences from micro–flora–pollen and spores, phytoplankton and also foraminifera.