1996-97 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

BSIP
Konalur swamp with Pine forest around Berijam Lake in Palni Hills, south India.
respect ivel y.
The evaluation and interpretation of pollen diagram is continued. The study
has revealed the overall dominance of non-tree taxa over trees. Higher percentage of
graminoid pollen (70-80%), low to moderate proportions of Cyperaceae, Senecio,
Artemisia, Impatiens, RanuncuLus and Apiaceae, etc. alongwith monolete and trilete
spores are suggestive of the abundance of grasses and herbaceous elements. The
occurrence of Rhododendron, J1ex, Osbeckia and Sapotaceae indicate the existence of
forests in the vicinity of Konalar in the past. The relative abundance of Acacia and
Pinus pollen in surface samples is from the surrounding plantation. Fungal spores are
also encountered in good values. Since shola arboreals are not adequately represented
in the sediments, their meagre representation could be positive indicator of the existence
of the forest.
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