Maastrichtian Palynoflora from Deccan Volcanic Associated Sediments of Mahurzari, Nagpur District, Maharashtra: Age and Paleoenvironment with Comments on Megaflora

Abstract

Palynological study of intertrappean sediments of Mahurzari in Nagpur district, Maharashtra, a known megaflora rich locality, has indicated presence of diverse pollen and spore assemblage. The palynoassemblage includes six genera and six species of pteridophytes dominated by Cyathidites and Lygodiumsporites and four genera and four species of angiosperms. The presence of palynomorphs such as Azolla cretacea, Gabonisporis vigourouxii, Aquilapollenites bengalensis and Farabeipollis suggests a Maastrichtian age. Megafloral remains such as flowers and fruits of Sahnipushpam, fruits of Viracarpon, Indovitis, Baccatocarpon, a coconut like fruit and Palmocarpon, the palm inflorescence Mahurzaristrobus and many fossils wood of dicot and monocot plants are also known from this locality. The recorded flora suggests prevalence of tropical evergreen floristic conditions at the time of deposition of the intertrappean paleolake sediments having volcano-clastic inputs.