Araucarites Bindrabunensis sp. nov., a petrified megastrobilus from the Jurassic of Rajmahal Hills, Bihar

Abstract

Under the name Araucarites bindrabu,nensis sp. nov. two specimens of petrified araucarian megastrobili are described from the Raj mahal Hills. Bihar. The megastrobili are ellipsoid in form and bear closely arranged, numerous, single-seeded scales. The scales are ligulate, winged and woody. Vascular supply of the cone-scales is probably double. Sclereids are absent from the pith of the cone axis and resin cells from below the vascular bundles both in the scale and the ligule. Stomata are absent from the upper surface of the seed-scale. Epidermal cells vary in size and shape according to their position on the scale. In several respects the Rajmahal specimens resemble the fossil species Araucaria mirabilis (Speg.) Calder and the living species A. Bidwillii Hook.