1996-97 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

1996-97
ClavadiporGpollenites t'allerieliSis Arnbwani & Singh 1996 frolll Raneri Village. Bikaner District.
Rajasthan: 1. under light microscope. x 1.000; 2. SEM photograph, x 1,200.
Programme 3.12 : Palynostratigraphic investigations of the Tertiary sediments
of Eastern Coast of south India
K. Ambwani
Lignite samples from Mine-I ofNeyveli Lignitefield, Tamil Nadu were studied.
Apart from the angiospermic pollen and pteridophytic spores, fungal spores and fruiting
bodies were also present in the assemblage, majority of them belonged to
microthyriaceous group. The well-preserved ones were also studied under SEM to
understand their morphology.
A monocot fossil axis belonging to Agavaceae was further studied in detail
under SEM to understand its anomalous secondary growth. The leafy tuft of the axis
(probably flowering part) on maceration yielded pollen grains (=Dracaenopollis) that
further confirm the affinities of the plant to Agavaceae (Liliales). This also supports
the existence of liliaceous plant which acquired the advancement in its anatomy but
retained primitive characters in the flowers. The role and status of this plant were
employed in the palynostratigraphy of the area to understand evolution and migration
aspects.
studies.
Visited Neyveli Lignitefield to collect Tertiary rock samples for palynological
Programme 3.13:
Palynostratigraphical investigation of the Tertiary sediments
of Western Coast of India
R.S. Singh
31