1995-96 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

BSIP
Morphological and systematic analyses of the plant fossil assemblages collected
from different open cast projects of Area 6 (Kusunda area) of Jharia Coalfield were compiled
and finalized.
Rajni Tewari & A.K. Srivastava
Programme 2.2
Objective
Comparative morphology, floristics, biostratigraphy
and palaeoecology of Permian Gondwana plants in
Son-Mahanadi Graben
To study morphotaxonomy, floristics, biostrati·
graphy and palaeoclimate of the Permian Gondwana
formations in the area
To study fructifications in order to understand the evolutionary
aspect of pteridophytes and gymnosperms
Sorting, identification and photodocumentation of plant fossils from Madhupur
area near Hinjrida Ghati, Angul District, Orissa were completed. 111eidentified plant taxa
are 20 species of Glossopteris, one species each of Neomariopteris, Schizoneura,
Macrotaeniopteris and a lycopod. Tire fertile genera identified are one species each of
Eretmonia, Partha and Lidgettonia. For the first time Vertebraria axes were collected from
the area. For the first time from India, male fructification Nesowalesia is reported which is
known only from Australia. The genus Nesowalesia is identified as a new species Nesowalesia
indica. 111e identified plants indicate younger age than flora at Handapa area.
Shaila Chandra & KJ. Singh
Seventy-five Type specimens, described by Feistmantel from the Lower Gondwana
formations and kept at G.S.r. Museum, Calcutta, were studied and photographed. Conifer
specimens from South Balanda Colliery, Talcher Coalfield were compared with the Type
specimens of Voltzia heterophylla. SEM and TEM studies of conifer cuticles are in progress.
KJ.
Singh
Programme 2.3 Evolutionary perspective of megafloral diversification
in the Nidpur plant bed
Objective To carry out fine resolution, morphotaxonomical
investigations and to decipher affinities and
interrelation of different plant organs
To attempt whole plant reconstnlCtions
Under the study of compressed cones, nearly 50-60 cone specimens (some of them
with their counter parts) have been examined. More than 100 epidermal preparations have
been made. After examining the cuticular preparations, the diagnosis of Nidistrobus has
been elaborated and some forms which were included in Nidistrobus have been removed
due to presence of distinct pollen grains. In addition, 4 new cone-taxa have also been
identified because of possessing different kinds of sporangia and their pollen contents.
Restoration of three types of rnicrosporangiate-cones have been attempted. Reconstruction
86