Studies on the fossil flora of Nipania, Rajmahal Series, India - Pteridophyta, and general observation on Nipania fossil flora

Abstract

The paper describes several silicified pteridophytic remains, Lycoxylon indicum (SRIVASTAVA) emend., L. Type 2, Sphenopteris sp., Cladophlebis sahnii sp. nov., 5 types of petioles and rachises, 3 types of sori, 3 types of isolated sporangia, 2 new species of Solenostelopteris Kershaw (S. nipanica sp. nov. and S. sahnii sp. nov.), 3 new species of Dictyostelopteris gen. nov. (D. rajmahalense sp. nov., D. fasciosteloides sp. nov. and D. jacobi sp. nov.) and Tinpaharia sinuosa Jacob. In general composition the fossil flora of Nipania seems to compare with the fossil flora of Jabalpur and the Kota Stages of the Upper Gondwana and is, therefore, believed to belong to the uppermost strata in the Rajmahal Stage.