New palaeobotanical data from the Jarash Formation (Aptian–Albian, Kurnub Group) of NW Jordan

Abstract

This contribution provides new palaeobotanical data from the Jarash Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Aptian–Albian) of NW Jordan. On the one hand it provides the first anatomical evidence for the occurrence of palaeo–wildfires in the Jarash Formation near the town of Jarash in NW Jordan, and, on the other hand, it provides a preliminary taxonomic assessment of the palaeoflora from a recently discovered locality nearby in the same formation. This flora consists of ferns assignable to Weichselia reticulata (Stokes et Webb) Fontaine in Ward and a so far unidentifiable taxon, conifer needles of Agathis levantensis Poinar & Milki and angiosperm leaves which can be attributed to the Platanaceae Sapindopsis cf. lebanensis. The latter taxon was so far only known from the Cenomanian of Lebanon.