Monocotyledon fossil leaf from the Early Cretaceous of India

ABSTRACT

Reports of the angiosperm macrofossils from the Early Cretaceous sediments of India are relatively poor, with only one report from the Krishna-Godavari Basin. The present study documents a monocotyledon leaf fossil from the Barremian-Aptian (Early Cretaceous) of Gangapur Formation, Pranhita-Godavari Basin, India. The present fossil leaf placed under a new genus Sahniophyllum and it is characterised by the ribbon shaped leaves, with parallel venation, arranged in rosette form suggests its probable affinity with Hydrocharitaceae. The taphocoenosis demonstrates its autochthonous preservation and aquatic habitat.

Keywords:
Angiosperm; Early Cretaceous; Gangapur Formation; India; Monocot; Sahniophyllumindica gen. et sp. nov.