New observations on the index fossil alga Distichoplax Pia from Laki (Lower Eocene) beds of the Punjab Salt Range

Abstract

A new species of the index fossil alga Distichoplax Pia has been described from Laki (Lower Eocene) beds of the Punjab Salt Range and named D. raoi after Professor S. R. N. Rao. One of the sections indicates the type of conceptacle possessed by the new species. The presence of conceptacle in Distichoplax is being recorded for the first time and the type of conceptacle possessed by this genus also indicates the correctness of its inclusion under Melobesieae.