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Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany
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VOLUME 60(1) 2011ISSN 0031-0174
Diamond Jubilee Special Publication on
Indian Fossil Fungi
DAVID J. BATTEN, UK
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DAVID L. DILCHER, USA
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V.A. KRASSILOV, Israel
CHENG-SEN LI, P.R. China
SERGE NAUGOLYNKH, Russia
RAJIV NIGAM, India
MARY E. BERNARDES-DE-OLIVEIRA, Brazil
JAMES B. RIDING, USA
GAR W. ROTHWELL, USA
VLADIMIR SERGEEV, Russia
ROBERT A. SPICER, UK
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Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany
Lucknow, India
1946
Established 1952
Diamond Jubilee Special Publication on
Indian Fossil Fungi
VOLUME 60 (1) 2011
CONTENTS
Indian Fossil Fungi
R.K. Saxena and S.K.M. Tripathi ........................................................................................................ 1
The Palaeobotanist 60(2011): 1-208
0031-0174/2011 $2.00
© Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, India
Indian Fossil Fungi
R.K. SAXENA AND S.K.M. TRIPATHI
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow 226 007, India.
Email: rksaxena2207@yahoo.com; suryatripathi.2009@rediffmail.com
(Received 11 May, 2011; revised version accepted 13 June, 2011)
ABSTRACT
Saxena RK & Tripathi SKM 2011. Indian Fossil Fungi. The Palaeobotanist 60(1): 1-208.
The main objective of this publication is to synthesize the available information on Indian fossil fungi published so
far. It contains four main parts, Introduction, Terminology, Description and Discussion. The introductory part provides
a brief account of diversity of fungal remains through the ages, scope and organization of the publication and classification
of fossil fungal spores and fruiting bodies. The Terminology part defines the commonly used terms for describing fungal
remains. The Description part provides description of all the fossil fungal taxa known so far from India along with their
illustration, locality, age and Indian records. MycoBank number of each genus and species is also provided. Fifteen new
species, viz. Dicellaesporites classicus, Dicellaesporites jainii, Dicellaesporites singhii, Foveoletisporonites keralensis,
Frasnacritetrus masolensis, Fusiformisporites barmerensis, Inapertisporites chandrae, Inapertisporites karii, Inapertisporites
sahii, Kutchiathyrites mehrotrae, Monoporisporites meghalayaensis, Multicellites chandrae, Pluricellaesporites
himachalensis, Pluricellaesporites keralensis and Pluricellaesporites mehrotrae and twelve new combinations, viz.
Kutchiathyrites perfectus (Kar et al.), Meliolinites tlangsamensis (Kar et al.), Multicellites circularis (Samant and Tapaswi),
Multicellites himalayaensis (Gupta), Multicellites jainii (Gupta), Multicellites psilatus (Saxena), Multicellites ramanujamii
(Gupta), Multicellites reticulatus (Samant and Tapaswi), Palaeomycites dichotomus (Kar et al.), Palaeomycites excellensus
(Kar et al.), Palaeomycites globatus (Sharma et al.) and Palaeomycites minutus (Kar et al.) have been proposed. This part
also records informally published fungal remains along with reference to page of their publication, illustration, horizon and
age and location of occurrence. The Discussion part includes diagnostic characteristics of fossil fungal spores and fruiting
bodies, general remarks on Indian fossil fungal records and stratigraphic and palaeoclimatic interpretations.
Key-words—Fungal spores, Fungal fruiting bodies, Description, Classification, India.
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vU;½ izLrkfor fd, x, gSaA bl Hkkx esa vfu;fer :i ls izdkf'kr dod vo'ks"kksa dk muds izdk'ku] js[kk&fp=] laLrj&fLFkfr o vk;q ,oa mRir~fr ds LFkku
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o Lrfjd ,oa iqjktyok;oh O;k[;k,a lekfo"V gSaA
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2 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
INTRODUCTION
Fossil fungi from India are amply diversified. These are
reported in the form of spores, mycelia, fructifications and
mycorrhiza. Fungal remains, commonly observed in the
palynological preparations, have been sporadically recorded
since long (Williamson 1878, 1880, Kidston & Lang 1921,
Edwards 1922) but their study received more attention with
the amplification of palynological studies since the 1950s. A
great spurt in the fungal diversity is witnessed in Tertiary
Period, suggesting that their proliferation is linked with
diversification of angiosperms. As evident by the fossil
records, Ascomycetes, the largest and most diversified group
of modern fungi, got well established during the Cretaceous
Period and became conspicuously abundant in the Tertiary
Period (Jain 1974, Jansonius 1976, Jain & Kar 1979, Ramanujam
1982, Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, Tripathi 2009). The majority
of dispersed fungal spores found in palynological preparations
are produced by the Ascomycetes. Ascospores are produced,
usually in groups of four or eight, inside a sac (ascus) by the
so-called “perfect stage” (teleomorph) of these fungi. The
“imperfect stage” (anamorph) may produce several types of
asexual spores, named as conidiospores (or conidia). The
Deuteromycetes also, comprising a large group of fossil fungi
with septate hyphae, reproduce by conidia and other asexual
spores. Although their conidia are similar to those met with in
the Ascomycetes, the lack of a sexual (perfect) stage prevents
their assignment to the latter class. Saprophytic Ascomycetes
may produce ascocarps of macroscopic size and definite shape.
These fruiting bodies may occur above ground, e.g. the cup
fungi, or may remain subterraneous, as in truffles.
Fragments of fossil fungi are commonly seen in
macerated residues prepared for palynological studies. These
are less frequent in samples from Palaeozoic strata but are
better represented in preparations of Early Mesozoic
sediments. As stated earlier, the fungal diversity increases in
the Tertiary Period. Except for some distinctive Tertiary forms,
fossil fungal remains cannot be generally ascribed to modern
taxa hence their classification with extant fungi is not possible.
Fossil fungal remains are, therefore, described as ‘form genera’
under the Artificial System of classification which is based on
morphological characters only. Fossil spores are described
under ‘Dispersed Spores’ which include detached spores,
microscopic sporangia and fragmented mycelia. Based on
characters associated with size, symmetry, pores and septa,
the spores are described under different morphologic groups.
On the other hand, the fructifications of epiphyllous fungi can
be compared with extant forms with greater accuracy than the
spores. The fructifications or the ascocarps are variously
shaped, ostiolate or non-ostiolate bodies made up of radiating
rows of mycelia, giving an appearance of tissues arranged in a
radiating fashion. The ascocarps contain asci. Fossil
epiphyllous fungi are more reliable and advantageous for
palaeoclimatic interpretations. Besides, studies particularly
focusing the host-fungus relationship are of great significance
in attempting the palaeoenvironmental interpretations.
During the last four decades or so, serious efforts have
been made on the study of fossil fungi laying emphasis on
their phylogenetic, stratigraphic and environmental aspects.
In order to include all records of fossil fungal remains from the
Indian Tertiary sediments, published between 1971 and 2005,
two catalogues were published (Saxena 1991, 2006). Data
generated on fossil fungi are significant but a large number of
fossil fungal forms needed taxonomic revision, as these were
either not validly published or their diagnoses and status were
not properly defined. Hence, many species of different genera
needed to be recombined with some other suitable genera.
Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) took up the mountainous task
and tried to streamline the taxonomic status of many fossil
fungal genera and species. They described about 950 validly
published species, attributed to approximately 300 genera.
They proposed twelve new genera and about 350 new
combinations. Transfers of species to more appropriate genera
resulted in 31 junior homonyms, for which they provided new
names. They also validated one genus and several species.
SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PUBLICATION
We have documented all published genera and species
of fossil fungal remains described so far from India. In addition
to these, 15 new species have been proposed. These forms
were assigned to different genera by earlier workers without
designating them to any known species. Specimens of these
forms were restudied and critical observations led to the
establishment of new species. The newly proposed species
are: Dicellaesporites classicus, Dicellaesporites jainii,
Dicellaesporites singhii, Foveoletisporonites keralensis,
Frasnacritetrus masolensis, Fusiformisporites barmerensis,
Inapertisporites chandrae, Inapertisporites karii,
Inapertisporites sahii, Kutchiathyrites mehrotrae,
Monoporisporites meghalayaensis, Multicellites chandrae,
Pluricellaesporites himachalensis, Pluricellaesporites
keralensis and Pluricellaesporites mehrotrae. Twelve new
combinations have also been proposed. These are:
Kutchiathyrites perfectus (Kar et al. 2010), Meliolinites
tlangsamensis (Kar et al. 2010), Multicellites circularis
(Samant & Tapaswi 2000), Multicellites himalayaensis (Gupta
2002), Multicellites jainii (Gupta 2002), Multicellites psilatus
(Saxena 2009), Multicellites ramanujamii (Gupta 2002),
Multicellites reticulatus (Samant & Tapaswi 2000),
Palaeomycites dichotomus (Kar et al. 2010), Palaeomycites
excellensus (Kar et al. 2010), Palaeomycites globatus (Sharma
et al. 2005) and Palaeomycites minutus (Kar et al. 2010). The
genera are arranged in alphabetical order with the following
details: i. Name of the genus followed by its author(s) and
year of publication, ii. MycoBank number, iii. Type species, iv.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 3
Description (including diagnosis and/or description), v.
Classification, and vi. Remarks, if any. Similarly, all the species
described under each genus are arranged in alphabetical order.
Each species is provided with the following information: i.
Name of the species followed by its author(s) and year of
publication, ii. MycoBank number, iii. Description (including
diagnosis and/or description), iv. Locality, v. Age, vi. Indian
records, and vii. Remarks, if any. A text figure is provided for
each species.
CLASSIFICATION OF FOSSIL FUNGI
Being fragmentary in nature, fossil fungi lack
characteristic features that are diagnostic of extant taxa. Except
for some distinctive Tertiary forms, most of the fossil fungal
remains can seldom be compared with modern taxa hampering
their classification under the Natural System. Problems
concerning the nomenclature and classification of fossil fungi
have been discussed by various workers from time to time.
These workers argued that assigning most of the fossil forms
to extant taxa names will lead to a taxonomic confusion and it
will therefore be more convenient as well as logical to describe
the fragmentary fossils as form genera which are described on
the basis of morphological characters only. Following the
Artificial System of classification, fossil fungal remains are
divided into two categories - the Fungal Spores and the
Ascocarps (fruiting bodies of epiphyllous fungi). Details of
each category are provided in the Discussion part.
TERMS RELATED TO FOSSIL FUNGI
Acrogenous: Growing at the apex (conidia) of a conidiophore.
Acropetal: Conidia produced in succession forming a chain
toward the apex; young conidia occurring at the tip.
Acervulus (pl. acervuli): A mat of hyphae giving rise to short
conidiophores grouped together forming a specialized
mycelial mass or fructification.
Amb (short for Latin ambitus, circuit, orbit): Term used in
palynology to refer to the optical section of a spore or
pollen grain, or to the outline of such a grain when seen
in polar view.
Amerospore: A one-celled spore.
Amphigenous: A mycelium growing on both sides of the host
leaf (as in microthyriaceous fungi).
Anamorph: The asexual vegetative form of an ascomycetous
fungus.
Apothecium (pl. apothecia): An open ascocarp in which a layer
of asci (hyminium) lies exposed on the surface or hollow
part of the disc or variously shaped structure.
Arbuscule: Shrub-like growth; as in a tuft of conidiophores,
or the haustoria-like intracellular development of
mycorrhizal fungi.
Ascocarp (= ascoma, pl. ascomata): Any open or closed fruiting
body containing asci of Ascomycetes.
Ascospore: A sexual spore produced as a free cell by meiosis
and mitotic processes in an ascus.
Ascostroma (pl. ascostromata): Simple type of ascomycetous
fructification consists of an undifferentiated mass of
tissue forming a stroma, on or in which the asci are
developed.
Ascus (pl. asci): An enlarged sac-like cell containing a specific
number of ascospores (often four, typically eight).
Aseptate (= nonseptate): Lacking cross-walls or septa.
Astomate: Without an ostiole.
Basidiocarp: A fruiting body of Basidiomycetes bearing
basidia and basidiospores.
Basidiospore: A sexual spore borne externally on a basidium.
Basidium (pl. basidia): A specialized, club-shaped cell bearing
four basidiospores.
Basipetal: Conidia produced in succession, or in a chain, from
the base (proximal); older conidia occurring at the tip.
Blastospore: A spore formed by budding.
Catenate (or catenulate): Produced in chains.
Chlamydospore: 1. A thick-walled, secondary spore developed
from hyphae, usually intercalary that generally functions
as a resting spore; 2. An endogenous, multinucleate thick
walled spore, variable in volume, commonly found in
parasitic fungi.
Cleistocarp: Synonymous with cleistothecium.
Cleistothecium (pl. cleistothecia): A closed ascocarp, from
which ascospores are liberated by rupture or decay of
the structure.
Coenobium (pl. coenobia): A colony.
Conidiophore: Simple or branched specialized hypha, arising
from a vegetative mycelial hypha and bearing, at its tip or
side, one or more conidiogenous cells.
Conidium (pl. conidia): A nonmotile exogenous asexual spore.
Dictyospore: Conidium divided into cells by longitudinal and
transverse septa.
Didymospore: Monoseptate (dicellate) conidium.
Dimidiate: Appearing to lack one half of the wall of an ascoma,
or, having one half very much smaller than the other.
Dolipore: A septum of a dikaryotic basidiomycete hypha which
flares out in the middle portion forming a barrel-shaped
structure with open ends.
Ectomycorrhiza: A mycorrhiza in which fungal hyphae grow
intercellularly in the host tissue.
Endomycorrhiza: A mycorrhiza in which the fungal hyphae
penetrate into the cells of the host; also called vesicular-
arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM).
Foliicolous: Growing on leaves.
Fungi Imperfecti: The Ascomycetes are divided into those
fungi representing the perfect stage (teleomorphs) in
which sexual spores are produced, or those (anamorphs,
representing the imperfect stage), in which only
4 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
vegetative spores are produced. Holomorphs are those
in which both sexual and asexual spores have been
observed. The group of anamorph fungi are also referred
to as Fungi Imperfecti, or Deuteromycetes.
Fructification: Any (sexual or asexual) structure that contains
spores, ascospores, basidiospores or conidia, or asci or
basidia.
Helicospore: A coiled or helical conidium.
Heterotroph: Living on food made by other organisms.
Hilum (pl. hila): A mark or scar on spores appearing like a dot,
flat spot or pore, indicating the point of attachment of
the spore to a conidiophore, conidiogenous cell, hypha
or sterigma.
Hypha (pl. hyphae): Basic tubular, septate or aseptate, elements
of the fungi that may form a mycelium (thallus).
Hyphomycetous: Relating to the Hyphomycetes; moldlike,
cobwebby.
Imperfect stage (anamorph): Asexual stage (conidial) of an
ascomycetous fungus.
Intramatrical: Hyphae located within the matrix or substratum.
Macronematous: Refers to any conidiophore that is
differentiated from the normal hyphal cells.
Miospore: Collective designation for dispersed small or large
spores and pollen grains, as found in palynological
preparations, of which it may not be possible to
differentiate their biological function of micro- or
macrospore (megaspore).
Muriform (of conidia): Being divided by intersecting septa in
more than one plane.
Mycelium (pl. mycelia): Collective term for a mass or group of
hyphae or fungal filaments (the fungal thallus).
Mycology: The study of fungi.
Mycorrhiza (pl. mycorrhizae): The symbiotic association
between certain fungi and the roots of plants.
Ostiole (adj. ostiolate): A pore, often at the end of a neck-like
structure, in an ascocarp or a pycnidium.
Perfect stage (teleomorph): The (gametangial) sexual stage
of an ascomycetous fungus.
Perithecium (pl. perithecia): A rounded, oval, pyriform or
beaked ascocarp (ascoma), characteristic of the
Pyrenomycetes, with a pore (ostiole) or slit at the top,
and within which asci are borne in a characteristic manner.
Phragmospore: A spore with two or more transverse septa.
Pseudoparenchyma (adj. pseudoparenchymatous): A type of
plectenchyma consisting of closely packed, more or less
isodiametric or oval cells resembling the parenchyma of
vascular plants.
Pycnidiospore: A conidium borne in a pycnidium.
Pycnidium (pl. pycnidia): An asexual hollow fruiting body lined
inside with conidiophores bearing conidia. It may be fully
enclosed, or have an opening (ostiole).
Saccardoan system: The grouping of conidia (and dispersed
ascospores) proposed by Saccardo, mostly of the
Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes, based on the number
of cells and the organization of the septa in each spore,
as well as the intensity of the pigmentation. The main
groups are: Amerosporae, Didymosporae,
Phragmosporae, Dictyosporae, Scolecosporae,
Helicosporae and Staurosporae.
Sclerotium (pl. sclerotia): 1. A resting body composed of a
hardened mass of hyphae, from which fruiting bodies,
stromata or conidiophores may develop; 2. Hardened
resting condition of the plasmodium of Myxomycetes.
Scolecospore: An elongated needle- or worm-like spore.
Septate: Provided with (longitudinal or) transverse partitions.
Septum (pl. septa): Internal partition in a hypha or spore.
Sporangiospore: A spore produced in a sporangium.
Sporangium (pl. sporangia): A sac-like structure producing
spores endogenously.
Staurospore: stellate conidium.
Stroma (pl. stromata): A compact vegetative tissue of hyphae
in which fructifications (ascocarps) are formed.
Teleomorph: Form of an ascomycetous fungus bearing a sexual
organ.
Teleutospore: An old term for ‘teliospore.’
Teliospore: A thick-walled resting spore of the terminal stage
of Uredinales and Ustilaginales (rusts and smuts).
Thallospore: A spore formed on the thallus (mycelium), either
singly or in chains within a hypha and liberated by
disintegration of the hyphal wall; or terminal, as the
swollen end of a hypha (and not a distinct structure). It
includes blastospores, arthrospores, Chlamydospores
and oidia. In part synonymous with conidia and
aleurospores.
Thallus (pl. thalli): General term for the vegetative part of a
non-vascular plant, particularly the Thallophytes; of the
fungi, the entire assimilative phase of the individual.
Thyriothecium (pl. thyriothecia): Shield-shaped fructification
(in Hemisphaerales or Microthyriales) that is oriented
not by the mycelium, but by the host, with the generative
tissue hanging downward, i.e. inverted. It may be
considered as half a perithecium, with the tip lying
beneath.
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM): A mycorrhiza in
which the fungal hyphae penetrate into the cells of the
host; also called endomycorrhiza.
Uredium (pl. uredia): The sorus of the Uredinales, bearing the
spores.
Zoospore: A motile asexual spore.
Zygospore: Thick-walled resting spore resulting from the
conjugation of isogametes (as in Zygomycetes), or the
fusion of similar gametangia.
Zygote: A resting spore resulting from the fusion of two
sexually dissimilar gametes.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 5
DESCRIPTION OF FOSSIL FUNGI
A
Genus: Alleppeysporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21008.
Type species: Alleppeysporonites scabratus Ramanujam &
Rao 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores
branched, brownish in colour, multicellular, nonaperturate,
septa only transverse, branches one or two per spore, gently
curved. Basal and terminal cells each with a conspicuous
appendage. Spore wall psilate to scabrate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Alleppeysporonites scabratus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 1
MycoBank No.: MB 115028.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores
branched, branches one or two per spore, transverse septa 2-
5 per branch, cells rectangular, 6-11 x 4-6 m, basal and terminal
cells each with a prominent appendage. Appendages simple,
15-22 m long. Spore wall thin, scabrate.
Fig. 1. Alleppeysporonites scabratus. Bar = 20 m
Locality: Alleppey, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299, pl. 3, figs. 40-
41, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Alleppey, Kerala.
Remarks: Ramanujam & Rao (1978) commented that “The
branched nature and the presence of appendages are the
important features of this spore type. The fossil taxon shows
striking similarity to the dematiaceous fungus Grallomyces
(Barnett 1956, Ellis 1971, Subramanian 1971). The appendages
of the fossil are similar to the stalked attachment organs of
Grallomyces conidia. The spore wall in Grallomyces is
minutely verrucate whereas in the fossil spores it is essentially
scabrate. Grallomyces is common in moist tropics.
Alleppeysporonites was found occasionally in the Warkalli
beds. It was also noticed, although rarely, in the clay samples
of the Padappakkara area.” Ramanujam and Rao (1978)
illustrated two specimens of this species. Of these, the
holotype (pl. 3, fig. 40) complies with the specific diagnosis
whereas the other specimen (pl. 3, fig. 41) appears to be
different.
Genus: Alternariaites Pathak & Banerjee 1984 (nom. inval.)
Type Species: None designated.
Remarks: Pathak & Banerjee (1984, p. 250, pl. 2, fig. 22)
informally used this generic name (Alternariaites sp.) for the
fungal forms from the Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene),
Darjeeling District, West Bengal. They ascribed the generic
name to Chitaley (1951) who never published it. Pathak and
Banerjee (loc. cit.) neither published a generic diagnosis nor
assigned any species to the genus. The genus name is
therefore not validly published.
Genus: Aplanosporites Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 24060.
Type Species: Aplanosporites robustus Kar 1979.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 35): (Diagnosis): Spore generally
subcircular, irregularly folded, inaperturate, laevigate. A tail-
like appendage present in most specimens. (Description): Fully
flattened specimens without folds rare, spores take various
shapes due to haphazard foldings, 68-134 m. Spore coat up
to 2 m thick. Characteristic appendage-like projection
probably forms from original hyphae, terminal part of which
swollen to form spore (aplanospore). In some specimens (pl.
3, fig. 58) this hypha-like growth seems to originate from other
hyphae. Appendage-like structure may be preserved
terminally but may also be appressed to body of spores (pl. 3,
figs. 61-62).
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Remarks: Aplanosporites Kar 1979 is a junior synonym of
Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902.
Species: Aplanosporites bharwainensis Singh & Saxena
1981
MycoBank No.: MB 483888.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 [See:
Palaeomycites bharwainensis (Singh & Saxena 1981)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Aplanosporites robustus Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 483361.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 [See:
Palaeomycites robustus (Kar 1979) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Genus: Appendicisporonites Saxena & Khare 1992
MycoBank No.: MB 28636.
6 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Type Species: Appendicisporonites typicus Saxena & Khare
1992.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40): Spores subcircular;
inaperturate; multicellular, each cell possessing a long
process; processes septate or nonseptate, with pointed or
blunt tips; wall psilate.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Appendicisporonites typicus Saxena & Khare 1992
Fig. 2
MycoBank No.: MB 483897.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40): Spores subcircular;
size 44-47 x 36-39 m (excluding appendages); inaperturate;
multicellular, each cell possessing a long process; processes
nonseptate, 43-45 m long and 5-6 m wide with pointed tip,
psilate.
Fig. 2. Appendicisporonites typicus. Bar = 50 m
Locality: Jayamkondacholapurum Well-12, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Eocene (Neyveli Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40, pl. 1, fig. 1, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52,
Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road area, Kollam District,
Kerala.
Genus: Arbusculites Paradkar 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 21013.
Type Species: Arbusculites dicotylophylli Paradkar 1976.
Description (Paradkar 1976, p. 120): Saprophytic fungus,
septate mycelium, dictyospores formed on a conidial head.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Remarks: Arbusculites Paradkar 1976 is a junior synonym of
Dictyosporites Felix 1894.
Species: Arbusculites dicotylophylli Paradkar 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 483814.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Arbusculites dicotylophylli Paradkar 1976 to Dictyosporites
Felix 1894 [See: Dictyosporites dicotylophylli (Paradkar 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Genus: Archaeoglomus Sharma et al. 2005 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 29093.
Type Species: Archaeoglomus globatus Sharma et al. 2005
(nom. inval.).
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76): (Diagnosis):
Chlamydospores subcircular-oval, size range 17-38 m, borne
on terminal end of undifferentiated hyphae, less than 2 m
thick, laevigate. (Description): Chlamydospores generally
subcircular, sometimes look like inflated balloon, hyphae
bearing these structures slightly swollen, interconnected with
each other, many chlamydospores found together, hyphae
narrow, not septate, dichotomously branched.
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Remarks: Sharma et al. (2005) proposed the generic name
Archaeoglomus, but neither mentioned slide number nor
repository of the holotype. The generic name, and also the
name of its type species (Archaeoglomus globatus Sharma
et al. 2005), are therefore not validly published (ICBN: Art.
37.7, McNeill et al. 2006). The genus is, however, identical to
Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 and therefore considered
here its junior synonym.
Species: Archaeoglomus globatus Sharma et al. 2005 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 529470.
Remarks: While proposing the new species Archaeoglomus
globatus, Sharma et al. (2005) made no mention of holotype
slide and its repository, hence the species name is not validly
published (ICBN: Art. 37.7, McNeill et al. 2006). However,
since Archaeoglomus is considered here a junior synonym of
Palaeomycites, Archaeoglomus globatus is being transferred
to Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 [See: Palaeomycites
globatus (Sharma et al. 2005) comb. nov.]
Species: Archaeoglomus minutus Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 542206.
Remarks: Archaeoglomus minutus Kar et al. 2010 is not
validly published, as it has been ascribed to a genus that is
not validly published (ICBN: Art. 37.7, McNeill et al. 2006).
However, since Archaeoglomus is considered here a junior
synonym of Palaeomycites, Archaeoglomus minutus is being
transferred to Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 [See:
Palaeomycites minutus (Kar et al. 2010) comb. nov.]
Genus: Ascochytites Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, non
Temerevnikova-Babajan & Taslahcjan 1973 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 21021.
Type Species: Ascochytites intertrappeus Barlinge & Paradkar
1982.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 170): Saprophytic
sphaeropsidaceous fungus with ostiolate pycnidia; hyphae
septate, branched; conidiospores small.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 7
Species: Ascochytites intertrappeus Barlinge & Paradkar
1982
Fig. 3
MycoBank No.: MB 108705.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 170): Saprophytic
sphaeropsidaceous fungus with ostiolate pycnidia; pycnidia
80-100 x 60-65 m; mycelium 1.5-2 m broad, branched; conidia
2-celled, elongate, hyaline, 3.5 x 2-1.5 m.
Fig. 3. Ascochytites intertrappeus. Bar = 200 m
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: ?Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 169, pl. 1, fig. D,
text-figs. F-G, Deccan Intertrappean Series (?Late Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Asterina Léveillé 1845
MycoBank No.: MB 409.
Type Species: Asterina melastomatis Léveillé 1845.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Asterina eocenica Dilcher 1965
Fig. 4
MycoBank No.: MB 326723.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 17): Fruiting body round, radiate,
consists of prosenchymatous cells; small fruiting body 35-45
m in diameter, large fruiting body 100-225 m in diameter.
Central cells of fruiting body isodiametric, 5-7 m in diameter.
Elongate marginal cells bifurcate frequently, 3-4 x 3.5-7 m in
small fruiting body, 2.5-3.5 x 7.5-12.5 m in large fruiting body.
Fruiting body astomate, splits open radially at maturity,
exposing radially arranged ascospores within the large fruiting
body. Spores two-celled, echinate, 9-14 x 20-28 m. The two
cells of the spores unequal in size, the larger 9-14 x 12-15 m
and the smaller 8-12 x 10-13 m. Typical germination of spores
occurs from the free end of the smaller cell of the spore. Spores
may persist in attachment to the young hyphae produced.
Hyphae typically straight, usually branch alternately or
unilaterally, may branch oppositely, hyphal cells 3-5 x 6-32
m. Single-celled hyphopodia produced at more or less regular
intervals along the length of the hyphae, often near the distal
end of the hyphal cells. Hyphopodia generally alternate, may
be unilateral, single-celled, elongate and attenuate at the apex,
3-5 x 9-14 m at base tapering to about half this width near tip.
No haustorial pores present in hyphopodia; no indication of
infection of host leaf. Found on lower surface of
Chrysobalanus sp.
Fig. 4. Asterina eocenica. Bar = 50 m
Locality: Lawrence Clay pit of the Spinks Clay Co., Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Age: Early Eocene (Wilcox Formation).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 206, pl. 3, fig. 21,
Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala.
Genus: Asterothyrites Cookson 1947 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21026.
Type Species: Asterothyrites minutus Cookson 1947
(designated by Jansonius & Hills 1976, card 186).
Paramicrothallites Jain & Gupta 1970.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 209): Mycelium superficial,
persistent. Ascomata round, flat, radiate. Ascospores
unknown.
Emended description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 32-33):
Ascomata circular with radially arranged hyphae laterally
interconnected to form a pseudoparenchymatous tissue. Cells
isodiametric, squarish or elongate rectangular. Ascomata
ostiolate; ostiole simple, not surrounded by a collar or
thickened tissue, small or large, of irregular shape or with a
regular outline. Ostiole probably formed by lysogenetic
dissolution of central cell(s); small ostioles may result from
rupture, or (stellate) fissure in the central part of the
pseudoparenchyma.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Asterothyrites edvensis (Rao & Ramanujam 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 5
8 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
MycoBank No.: MB 483257.
Paramicrothallites edvensis Rao & Ramanujam,
Geophytology 6(1), p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 7. 1976.
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 100): Free mycelium
lacking. Ascomata flattened, somewhat circular, margin firm
and even, 50-85 m in diameter; ostiolate, ostiole with no
specialized border, rounded to slightly irregular, 7.5-9 m in
diameter; cells of ascomata radially arranged, 3-4.5 m wide,
squarish to rectangular near central region, elongated, 6-9 m
long and thin-walled near margin, margin mostly crenate with
local thickenings.
Fig. 5. Asterothyrites edvensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Edavai, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 7,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), Edavai, Kerala.
Species: Asterothyrites keralensis Rao & Ramanujam 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 309297.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites
keralensis (Rao & Ramanujam 1976) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Asterothyrites konkanensis (Saxena & Misra 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 6
MycoBank No.: MB 534430.
Paramicrothallites konkanensis Saxena & Misra,
Palaeobotanist 38, p. 270, pl. 2, fig. 9. 1990.
Description (Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270): Ascostromata
subcircular in shape, dark brown, size range 94-103 x 90-98
m, ostiolate, ostiole subcircular, ca. 7-9 m in diameter,
unthickened, hyphae radiating, forming aporate
pseudoparenchymatous cells, central cells squarish, marginal
cells rectangular, margin uneven.
Fig. 6. Asterothyrites konkanensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Neogene (Sindhudurg Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270, pl. 2, fig. 9,
Sindhudurg Formation (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Species: Asterothyrites menonii (Jain & Gupta 1970)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 7
MycoBank No.: MB 483260.
Paramicrothallites menonii Jain & Gupta, Palaeobotanist
18(2), p. 179, pl. 1, fig. 10. 1970.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 179): Ascomata flattened,
circular, ostiolate, 40-60 m in diameter, solitary, margin entire;
hyphae radially arranged, interconnected, forming
pseudoparenchymatous cells; central cells squarish, marginal
rectangular, walls thin. Ostiole well-defined, 8-10 m in
diameter, centrally placed, not surrounded by any specialized
cells, margin lobed. This simple ostiole is formed probably by
the dissolution of the central cells of the ascomata. Free
hyphae are either truly lacking or not preserved. Ascospore
unknown.
Fig. 7. Asterothyrites menonii. Bar = 25 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 9
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam, Kerala, South India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 179, pl. 1, fig. 10, Quilon
Beds (Early Miocene), Kollam, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 96,
pl. 1, fig. 4, Barail and Surma groups (Oligocene-Early
Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Rao 1995, p. 233, pl.
1, fig. 2, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala.
Genus: Axisporonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28611.
Type Species: Axisporonites indicus (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 36): Medium-
sized, inaperturate, tricellate fungal spores; overall shape more
or less elliptical; two polar cells smaller, triangular, with dark
pigmentation and thicker wall than large, hyaline central cell;
septa thicker than wall of central cell.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Axisporonites indicus (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 8
MycoBank No.: MB 483266.
Multicellaesporites indicus Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 63, p. 23, pl. 1, fig. 14. 1990.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 23): Fungal spores tricellate,
elongate, elliptical or spindle-shaped with narrowly rounded
to angular ends. Size range 31-38 x 11-18 m. A longitudinal
slit present in hyaline middle region. Spore wall smooth, less
than 1 m thick in central region and ± 2 m at the terminal
and septal regions and differentially coloured or thickened.
The middle cell pale to hyaline, 14-19 m long, the terminal
cells comparatively darker and smaller in size (8-9 m long).
Fig. 8. Axisporonites indicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, South India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 23, pl. 1, fig. 14, text-fig. 15,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
B
Genus: Basidiosporites Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21028.
Type species: Basidiosporites fournieri Elsik 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 273): Monoporate, unicellate,
psilate fungal spores with the pore offset from one apex. No
basal attachment area evident. Shape variable, generally
elongate in some fashion.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Basidiosporites fournieri Elsik 1968
Fig. 9
MycoBank No.: MB 309461.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 273): Oval to capsular, monoporate
fungal spores, 7 to 10 m wide and 12-15 m long. Wall 0.5 m
thick, psilate. Wall thickens inwards slightly at pore. Pore 0.5
m does not bulge out. Pore is offset, not apical. A basal
attachment area is not evident.
Fig. 9. Basidiosporites fournieri. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Species: Basidiosporites ovalis (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 10
MycoBank No.: MB 483267.
Monoporisporites ovalis Sheffy & Dilcher, Palaeontographica
Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 40, pl. 15, fig. 21. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 40): Oval spore, 13.5 x
19.3 m, psilate, medium pigment. Pore asymmetrical at one
end of spore, wall 1.0 m thick.
10 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 10. Basidiosporites ovalis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Ambwani 1982, p. 30, pl. 1, fig. 12, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta Bommuru near
Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh; Kar et
al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam,
Mizoram.
Remarks: Since pore is offset from one apex in
Monoporisporites ovalis Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, it has been
transferred to Basidiosporites.
Species: Basidiosporites sadasivanii Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 11
MycoBank No.: MB 106626.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51): Biconvex, lanceolate
or oval-elliptical fungal spores, size range 33-43 x 20-21 m;
unicellate; non-septate; monoporate, pore offset from apex
being situated in the centre of the longer axis, circular, 1-3 m
in diameter, pore margin slightly thickened, spore wall 0.5 m
thick, psilate.
Fig. 11. Basidiosporites sadasivanii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 1757.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 30, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Genus: Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28612.
Type species: Biporipsilonites belluloides (Song 1985)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 37): Generally
small to medium-sized unicellate fungal spores of more or
less elongate fusiform to barrel-shaped outline; generally with
a plane of symmetry through the equator; spore wall generally
smooth, occasionally with some subdued sculpture, and of
medium thickness; two terminal pores, forming pore chambers
subtended by a basal septum, and enclosed by thin wall
material that further thins centrifugally; septa, thin or thick,
may show a central perforation and/or small septal folds; the
terminal pore itself may be closed by very thin wall material,
or ruptured to gaping and broad.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Biporipsilonites fusiformis (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 12
MycoBank No.: MB 483271.
Diporisporites fusiformis Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 54, pl. 2, figs. 37-38. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 54): Fusiform-elliptical
fungal spores; size range 35-70 x 16-18 m; unicellate;
aseptate; diporate, pores on both apices of spore, 4-6 m in
diameter, pore margin not thickened; spore wall 0.5-1.0 m
thick, psilate, sometimes dark-pigmented, occasionally slightly
folded.
Fig. 12. Biporipsilonites fusiformis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 54, pl. 2, figs. 37-38,
Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 11
Species: Biporipsilonites karii (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 13
MycoBank No.: MB 483272.
Multicellaesporites karii Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 46-47, pl. 2, fig. 13. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 46-47): Spindle-shaped
fungal spore, size 18 x 17 m; tricellate, middle cell much larger
than the terminal ones; inaperturate, biseptate, septa slightly
thicker than the spore wall; spore wall about 1 m thick, psilate,
pigment light.
Fig. 13. Biporipsilonites karii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 46-47, pl. 2, fig. 13,
Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long.
69°17.2'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Biporipsilonites krempii (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 14
MycoBank No.: MB 483273.
Psilodiporites krempii Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 132, figs. 8-9. 1963.
Diporisporites krempii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik, Pollen
Spores 10(2), p. 277. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat, p. 132): Pollen grains 2-porate,
isopolar, bilateral (tapering towards either end), 20-26 x 36-49
x ca. 23 m. Pore areas about 8.6-10 m in diameter. They have
an opening which is not well defined but presumably circular
(fig. 8a), about 2.9-4.3 m in diameter. Base of the raised
structure thickened, whereas the rest of the area is as thin
and usually of the same colour as the general body. Exine
smooth, less than 1 m thick. The grains are fragile and
provided with numerous, more or less irregular folds.
Fig. 14. Biporipsilonites krempii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Age: Early to Late Eocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 132, fig. 8, Early to
Late Eocene, western and eastern India, including oil
exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Species: Biporipsilonites padappakkarensis (Kumar 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 15
MycoBank No.: MB 483277.
Diporicellaesporites padappakkarensis Kumar, Review of
Palaeobotany and Palynology 63, p. 24, pl. 1, fig. 25. 1990.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 24): Fungal spores multicellate
and elongated-elliptical in shape. Size 30-35 x 19-22 m. Cells
unequal in size, the central cell large, 19 x 17 m and terminal
cells splitting, resulting in a beak-shaped structure, 4-6 m
long. Both ends with single pore, offset, slit-like and measuring
1-2 x 1-5 m, partially divided into two pore cells. Septa three,
comparatively thicker than the spore wall, ± 1.6 m thick,
smooth. Wall of central cell dark coloured and terminal cells
hyaline.
Fig. 15. Biporipsilonites padappakkarensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
12 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 24, pl. 1, fig. 25, text-fig. 18,
Quilon Beds (Early-Middle Miocene), clay mine section near
Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Genus: Bireticulasporis Potonié & Sah 1960
MycoBank No.: MB 21030.
Type species: Bireticulasporis communis Potonié & Sah 1960.
Description (Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 130): Size varies from
77.5-129 m; extrema lineamenta circular to irregular, circular
or polygonal; outline undulated to irregularly dentate,
sometimes ± straight; the outline may or may not be
accompanied by a ± narrow darker band which apparently
results from the folding of the peripheral exine in tangential
plane. The exine shows two ornamentations; a finer reticulation
in the higher focus and a clear coarse reticulation in the deeper
focus; the lumina of the deeper reticulation have a diameter
several times as great as the diameter of the reticulation in the
higher focus. In the last reticulation the lumina are ± rounded
and sometimes with diameter less than the muri between them.
The coarser reticulation shows greater lumina with ± polygonal
shape or sometimes with muri which are a little sinuous. A
tetrad mark or another germinal apparatus is not seen.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Bireticulasporis communis Potonié & Sah 1960
Fig. 16
MycoBank No.: MB 519765.
Description (Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 131): Size ranges from 36
to 129 m; outline irregular circular to roundly polygonal and
dentate to faintly sinuate, the extrema lineamenta inside is
followed by a dark ± narrow band; this band is formed by
very narrow and dense tangential folds; coarser reticulum
not always perfect perhaps as a result of bad preservation;
the higher reticulation sometimes seen as sharp white points
but in the highest focus as dark points.
Fig. 16. Bireticulasporis communis. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Cannanore lignite).
Indian records: Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 131, pl. 4, figs. 30-31,
Cannanore lignite (Late Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108, pl. 1, fig. 12, pl. 2, fig. 24, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala.
Species: Bireticulasporis indicus Potonié & Sah 1960
Fig. 17
MycoBank No.: MB 519766.
Description (Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 131); Size range from
77.5-129 m; outline ± irregular, circular, partly irregular, dentate
if exolamella shrunken or partly disappeared; darker band
along the periphery absent; muri of the coarser reticulum
sometimes sinuous, mostly straight; lumina ±polygonal, often
having more than ten times the breadth of the muri. The fine
reticulation of the higher focus may be faint but often is clear.
Fig. 17. Bireticulasporis indicus. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Cannanore lignite).
Indian records: Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 131, pl. 4, figs. 24-25,
30-31, Cannanore lignite (Late Miocene), Kannur District,
Kerala; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108, pl. 1, fig. 12, pl. 2, fig. 24,
Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala.
Genus: Botryodiplodia Saccardo 1884
MycoBank No.: MB 7420.
Type species: Botryodiplodia mori Dias & Camara 1954.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Botryodiplodia mohgaoensis Barlinge & Paradkar
1982
MycoBank No.: MB 108725.
Remarks: Kalgutkar et al. (1993) transferred this species to
Diplodites Teterevnikova-Babaian & Taslakhchian 1973 ex
Kalgutkar et al. 1993 [See: Diplodites mohgaoensis (Barlinge
& Paradkar 1982) Kalgutkar et al. 1993].
Genus: Brachysporisporites Lange & Smith 1971
MycoBank No.: MB 21037.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 13
Type species: Brachysporisporites pyriformis Lange & Smith
1971.
Description (Lange & Smith 1971, p. 677): Obovate, turbinate
or pyriform, phaeophragmospores of several cells, the cells
much broader than long in a sharply graded series of
diminishing size from a large domed apical cell to a small
hyaline attachment cell, with extremely dark thick bands of
septa, similarly graded towards the attachment cell.
Emended Description (Ediger 1981, p. 93): Fungal spores of
three or more cells and two or more septa, symmetrical along
the long axis; clavate, obovate, pyriform or ovoid shape; cells
are arranged in a graded series of diminishing size from a
large domed apical cell to a relatively small hyaline or so
attachment cell; one or two cells at aporate end usually bigger
and making up the bulk of the spore; monoporate, pore is
situated on the long axis at the narrower end of the spore;
exine thickest on the biggest cell, psilate or scabrate; there
may be some pits especially on the biggest cell; thickness of
septa variable, there may be at least one opening on septa.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Brachysporisporites catinus (Elsik & Jansonius
1974) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 18
MycoBank No.: MB 483795.
Granatisporites catinus Elsik & Jansonius, Canadian Journal
of Botany 52, p. 954, pl. 1, fig. 15. 1974.
Description (Elsik & Jansonius 1974, p. 954): Overall shape
of spore like tear-drop; four or five cells; basal cell by far the
largest (22 m long in holotype), occupying more than half of
total volume of the whole spore, with thicker wall; septa
perforate; in holotype no pore cell, but it may be lacking
because of poor preservation; wall psilate. Size of holotype
about 40 x 27 m; basal cell 22 m high.
Fig. 18. Brachysporisporites catinus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mackenzie River Delta, North-west Territories.,
Canada.
Age: Palaeogene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 11, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Brachysporisporites longovatus Song Zhichen &
Cao Liu 1994
Fig. 19
MycoBank No.: MB 483770.
Description (Song Zhichen & Cao Liu 1994, p. 41):
Spores elongated ovate or narrowly spoon-shaped in
outline, width of spores narrowing from the middle part to
both ends, and one end sharper than the other; average size
of spores in 10 specimens 50-55 m in length, 21-24 m in
width; size of holotype 50 m in length, widest part 24 m in
width; three- to four-celled, basal cell elongated, its length 2/
3 as long as long axis of spore, other two or three cells short,
small and trapezium-shaped, proximal end flat or pointed,
spore probably hilate, contact areas at the septa between
cells without distinct indentations; two to three septa, without
folds; spore wall thick, about 1.5 m in thickness, surface
smooth, black.
Fig. 19. Brachysporisporites longovatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: King George Island, Antarctica.
Age: Late Cretaceous.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 10, pl. 1, fig. 4, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Brachysporisporites magnus Samant in Saxena
2009
Fig. 20
MycoBank No. MB 515015.
Brachysporisporites magnus Samant, Geophytology 28(1-2),
p. 11-12, pl. 1, figs. 1-2. 2000. (nom. inval.).
Description (Samant 2000, p. 11): Fungal spores di- or
multicellular; balloon shaped; about 59-80 x 43-48 m in size;
cel1s of unequal size, smaller cell at the apical end, apical cells
hyaline and almost opaque, basal cel1 quite big and balloon
14 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
shaped, opaque, about 40-48 m in diameter; septate, septa
2-3 m thick; spore wall about 1 m thick, smooth.
Fig. 20. Brachysporisporites magnus. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 11, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Kharsalia
Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Brachysporisporites pyriformis Lange & Smith
1971
Fig. 21
MycoBank No.: MB 309928.
Spore Type B. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296, pl. 1, figs. 18-
19.
Description (Lange & Smith 1971, p. 677); Spores pyriform,
the distal septum more or less equatorial to the ovoid part of
the spore and approaching twice the length of the next
septum, the basal part of the spore tapered and the median-
width ratio of apical and attachment cells about 3:1, observed
spore dimensions about 35-40 x 15-18 m.
Fig. 21. Brachysporisporites pyriformis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Maslin Bay, South Australia.
Age: Early-Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 130, pl. 2, fig.
30, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Varma
& Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra. Singh & Tripathi 2010, p.
11, pl. 1, fig. 13, Akli Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole
near Barakha, Barmer District, Rajasthan.
Remarks: Spore Type B described by Ramanujam and Rao
(1978) from Quilon and Warkalli beds (Miocene) of Kerala
resembles Brachysporisporites pyriformis in possessing
similar shape and nature of cells, septa and spore wall.
Species: Brachysporisporites tenuis Kumar 1990
Fig. 22
MycoBank No.: 126550.
Didymoporisporonites sp. Varma & Patil, Geophytology 15(2),
p. 152, pl. 1, fig. 4. 1985.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 23): Fungal spores di- or
multicellate and balloon shaped. Size 38-43 x 22-30 m. Cells
unequal, small cell hyaline and thin, measuring 4-10 x 3-6 m
broad. Larger apical cell or cells forming a dome shaped, thick
and dark coloured to opaque structure, 23-40 x 14-32 m. Septa
2-3 m thick, smooth to wedge-shaped.
Fig. 22. Brachysporisporites tenuis Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296, 301, pl. 1,
figs. 18-19, Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 152, pl. 1,
fig. 4, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Kumar 1990, p. 23-24, pl. 1, fig. 11, text-fig. 16,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Remarks: Didymoporisporonites sp. described by Varma and
Patil (1985) from the Miocene sediments of Tonakkal area in
Thiruvananthapuram Distinct, Kerala resembles
Brachysporisporites tenuis Kumar (1990) in all morphological
features, hence merged to it.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 15
C
Genus: Callimothallus Dilcher 1965 ex Jansonius & Hills
1977
MycoBank No.: MB 21042.
Type species: Callimothallus pertusus Dilcher 1965.
Pseudosphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 180
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 13): No free hyphae; stroma
round, radiate, astomate, no central dehiscence, individual
cells may possess single pore; spores undetermined; 50-250
m.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Callimothallus assamicus Kar et al. 1972
Fig. 23
MycoBank No.: MB 310057.
Description (Kar et al. 1972, p. 151): Ascomata flattened,
subcircular to circular, non-ostiolate, 50-80 m. Central cells
triangular to polygonal from which radiating rows of cells
extend outwards. Central cells porate, pores single, outward
cells radially elongated.
Emended description (Saxena et al. 1984, p. 188):
Ascostromata subcircular; size ca. 140 x 100 m. Non-ostiolate,
margin wavy, central cells more or less circular in shape,
marginal cells bigger in size and rectangular in shape, a small
circular pore present in each cell of the central region, margin
of the individual cell thickened.
Fig. 23. Callimothallus assamicus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Damalgiri, Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Tura Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 1972, p. 151, pl. 2, figs. 19-20, Tura
Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Sah & Kar
1974, p. 182, Palana lignite (Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner
District, Rajasthan; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 188, pl. 2, fig. 35,
Lower Siwalik (Middle-Late Miocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section,
Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh et al. 1985, p. 36,
Barail Group (Oligocene), Assam and Meghalaya; Sarkar &
Singh 1988, p. 60-61, pl. 6, fig. 22, Subathu Formation (Early
Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan area, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, Late Palaeocene-
Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu; Sarkar et al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik
(Late Miocene), Bagh Rao, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand;
Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli
Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena &
Sarkar 2000, p. 257, Siju Formation (Middle Eocene), Simsang
River Section near Siju, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya.
Species: Callimothallus dilcheri Rao & Ramanujam 1976
Fig. 24
MycoBank No.: MB 310059.
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 99): Free mycelium
lacking; ascomata flattened, ± circular, margin irregular, 75-
120 m in diameter, non-ostiolate, cells forming the ascomata
radiating from angular central cell, cells near central region 5-
6 angled and those towards periphery rectangular, 4-5 m
wide and 4-7.5 m long, marginal cells bottle shaped (phialide-
like) with a distinctly constricted neck and porate, pores one
per cell, located terminally, 1.5-2.5 m wide, radial and
tangential walls of cells thickened.
Fig. 24. Callimothallus dilcheri. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Edavai, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon Formation).
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 99, pl. 2, fig. 13,
Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala.
Species: Callimothallus pertusus Dilcher 1965
Fig. 25
MycoBank No.: MB 327246.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 13): Stroma round, often
somewhat lobed, astomate, multiporous, entire to crenate
16 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
margins, lack free hyphae. Stroma 30-250 m in diameter,
consists of radiating rows of cells which increase in number
as the diameter of the stroma increases. Centre of the stroma
consists of irregularly angled, often isodiametric cells 3-5 m
in diameter. Central cells often much darker than the rest of
the stroma, may proliferate to form a mound of several cells
“humped up” in the centre. Radiating rows of cells extend
outward from central cells. Individual cells in radiating rows
2-8 m wide x 3-12 m long, rectangular, often slightly wedge-
shaped. Most cells of the stroma have a small pore, 1-2 m in
diameter, in upper surface of the cell. Pores slightly elevated,
may be randomly placed, generally limited to extreme proximal
end of the cell. No spores found. Host leaves Sapindus sp.,
most frequently occurs on upper surface, occasionally on
lower surface.
Fig. 25. Callimothallus pertusus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Western Tennessee, U.S.A.
Age: Early Eocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 205, pl. 2, figs. 15-
18, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala; Phadtare
& Kulkarni 1980, p. 166, pl. 2, fig. 4, Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene),
Ratnagiri-Pawas Road near Third Dharamshala stop 10 km
south of Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra; Reddy et
al. 1982, p. 114, pl. 1, figs. 10-11, Neyveli lignite (Miocene),
Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu; Singh & Sarkar
1984b, p. 48-49, pl. 2, fig. 32, Kasauli Formation (Early
Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh
et al. 1985, p. 36, Barail Group (Oligocene), Assam and
Meghalaya; Varma 1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 8, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Patil &
Ramanujam 1988, p. 263, pl. 1, fig. 3, Miocene, Tonakkal clay
mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Mallesham et al.
1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 1, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin,
Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Tripathi 1989, p. 72, pl. 2, fig. 3, pl. 3, fig. 8, Therria and
Kopili formations (Palaeocene-Eocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya; Saxena & Khare
1992, p. 37, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil
Nadu; Tripathi 1995, p. 47, subsurface Palaeocene-Eocene
sediments near Kapurdi, Barmer District, Rajasthan; Samant
& Phadtare 1997, p. 66, pl. 14, fig. 18, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Samant 2000,
p. 16, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near
Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Sarkar & Prasad 2000b, p.
147, Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian-Middle Lutetian), west
bank of Ghaggar river near Kharak village, Morni Hills,
Haryana; Tripathi et al. 2000, p. 243, Tura Formation (Early
Eocene), Tura-Dalu Road, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya.
Species: Callimothallus quilonensis Jain & Gupta 1970
Fig. 26
MycoBank No.: MB 310060.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180): Ascomata flattened,
subcircular to circular, non-ostiolate, 35-65 m in diameter,
solitary, margin entire to crenate. Centre cell triangular from
which radiating rows of cells extend outward, cells more
elongated towards the periphery, peripheral cells porate, pore
single, slightly elevated, 1-3 m wide, placed apically. Cell
wall thick. Hyphae absent. Ascospore unknown.
Fig. 26. Callimothallus quilonensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180, pl. 1, figs. 15-16,
Quilon Beds (Early Miocene) Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Callimothallus ramanujamii (Saxena & Singh
1982a) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 27
MycoBank No.: MB 483284.
Siwalikiathyrites ramanujamii Saxena & Singh,
Geophytology 12(2), p. 294, pl. 2, fig. 25. 1982a.
Description (Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 294): Ascostromata
subcircular to circular, size range 64-86 m, no free hyphae
observed, dimidiate, non-ostiolate, arrangement of hyphae
not radial, divided into central polygonal and outer elongated
pseudoparenchymatous cells, cells aporate.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 17
Fig. 27. Callimothallus ramanujamii. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, near Bankhandi,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab, India.
Age: Miocene-Pliocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 294, pl. 2, figs. 24-
25, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal
Pradesh; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 112, pl. 2, fig. 4,
Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene), Manjhi Khad
Section near Dharmsala, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Callimothallus raoi Ramanujam & Rao 1973
Fig. 28
MycoBank No.: MB 283378.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 205-206): Free
mycelium lacking. Ascomata discoid, rounded, margin entire;
55-75 m in diameter. Central part consists of irregular cavity
with ragged margin, 5 or 6 layers of cells around central cavity,
smaller, 1.25-3 m in diameter, darker, thick-walled, irregularly
angled than cells of rest of fruit body. Cells nearer periphery
in radiating pattern, light-coloured, thinner-walled, slightly
larger than former, rectangular, 2.5-6 m x2-4 m. Only few
cells in central and peripheral regions porate, pore single, 1-
1.5 m, usually distal in peripheral cells, central to proximal in
central thick-walled cells.
Fig. 28. Callimothallus raoi. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Warkalli lignite).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 205-206, pl. 3, figs.
19-20, text-fig. 1, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala,
Kerala.
Species: Callimothallus senii (Venkatachala & Kar 1969)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 29
MycoBank No.: MB 483285.
Pseudosphaerialites senii Venkatachala & Kar,
Palaeobotanist 17(2), p. 181, pl. 1, figs. 6-7. 1969.
Description (Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 181): Perithecium
subcircular, 100-140 m; dark brown in colour, one layer thick
in most cases. Central part of perithecium darker than
neighbouring regions; in the latter each stromatal cavity
possesses one hypha. Hyphae radially arranged,
pseudoparenchymatous; outer layer thickened and minutely
setose. Asci not seen.
Fig. 29. Callimothallus senii. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Bore-hole No. 14, Matanomadh, Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene.
Indian records: Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 181, pl. 1, figs. 6-
7, Naredi Formation (Early Eocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat.
Genus: Cannanorosporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21044.
Type species: Cannanorosporonites raoi Ramanujam & Rao
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores melanin-
coloured, tetracellate, barrel shaped, cells unequal in size,
basal and terminal cells smaller than central cells. Cells exhibit
differential pigmentation, two central cells dark coloured, basal
and terminal cells sub-hyaline to hyaline. Central cells with
bulging lateral walls. Septa considerably thickened. Spore
18 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
wall psilate. Apical cell conidiogenous, bearing a large simple
pore.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Remarks: Cannanorosporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978 is
a junior synonym of Chaetosphaerites Felix 1894.
Species: Cannanorosporonites raoi Ramanujam & Rao
1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115037.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Chaetosphaerites Felix 1894 [See:
Chaetosphaerites raoi (Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Ceratohirudispora Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541644.
Type species: Ceratohirudispora miocenica Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Hyphomycetaceous fungi,
conidiophore small, growth terminated by production of apical
conidium; conidium enlarges laterally in opposite direction
to produce two–three arms, conidia 5–10 celled, septa up to 2
m thick, with broad base and narrow tip.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Ceratohirudispora miocenica Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 30
MycoBank No.: MB 542233.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Conidia of imperfect
fungi, two armed, V-shaped, laterally, opposite to each other
forming an acute angle, arms more or less equal in size, 24-38
x 5-9 m; conidia septate, septa 2 m thick, septa 6-8; conidia
broader in middle, narrow at base and apex, wall about 1 m
thick, laevigate.
Fig. 30. Ceratohirudispora miocenica. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 1, fig. 7, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Ceratohirudispora triradiata Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 31
MycoBank No.: MB 542234.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Hyphomycetaceous
conidia, three armed providing a triradiate appearance, arms
unequal in length and size, septate, septa more or less 1 m
thick, 4–8 celled, conidia wall 1 m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 31. Ceratohirudispora triradiata. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 1, fig. 8, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Cercosporites Salmon 1903
MycoBank No.: MB 21048.
Type species: Cercosporites salmonii Kalgutkar 1997.
Description (combined description, Jansonius & Hills 1979,
card 3541): Mycelium consisting of pale brown, septate,
filamentous hyphae that grow individually and have a diameter
of 5-8 m; at more or less irregular intervals the hyphae may
suddenly inflate into larger, more or less globose cells of 15-
23 m diameter which, when mature, are opaque dark brown
and aligned into chains of 3 to 6 cells or rarely into biseriate
aggregates, and which probably function as sclerotia.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Cercosporites catenatus (Ramanujam & Rao 1978)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 32
MycoBank No.: MB 483287.
Pluricellaesporites catenatus Ramanujam & Rao, in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
298, pl. 3, figs. 34-35. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298): Spores melanin
coloured, 4 to 6 celled, 40-65 x 15-21 m. Cells more or less
rounded imparting a beaded look to the spores; terminal cell
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 19
dome-shaped, often darker than others, basal cell sub-hyaline
to hyaline, slightly curved. Each transverse septum with two
triangular or wedge-shape thickenings towards one side of
spore only; thickenings on adjacent septa often face each
other. A single pore between thickenings in each septum.
Spore wall 1 m thick, septa slightly thicker, surface psilate to
scabrate.
Fig. 32. Cercosporites catenatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Varkala, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298, pl. 3, figs. 34-
35, Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Mandaokar 1993, p. 139, Tikak Parbat Formation
(Late Oligocene), Dangri Kumari Colliery, Dibrugarh District,
Assam.
Genus: Cervichlamydospora Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541645.
Type species: Cervichlamydospora nigra Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Chlamydospores sub-
circular, dark brown-black, originate from neck of hyphae;
solitary, 14-24 x 12-22 m, many hyphae adhere together at
base, branch out laterally at tip; hyphae wall laevigate-
granulose, grana up to 1 m thick, sparsely placed.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Cervichlamydospora nigra Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 33
MycoBank No.: MB 542235.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Chlamydospore sub-
circular, solitary, dark brown–black with a constriction at
margin, margin entire like a shield, smooth, 13–23 x 12–21 m;
arise from neck of hyphal strand, strand composed of 8-13
hyphae, closely adhered at base and region of chlamydospore
attachment, separate and loose in rest part, central hypha
strongly built, nonseptate or rarely septate; hypha wall about
1 m thick, generally laevigate, sometimes weakly granulose.
Fig. 33. Cervichlamydospora nigra. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 5, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Chaetosphaerites Felix 1894
MycoBank No.: MB 21053.
Type species: Chaetosphaerites bilychnis Felix 1894.
Cannanorosporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978.
Description (combined description, Felix 1894, p. 272): Some
of the silicified spores are characterized particularly by the
two middle cells being dark brown, the two end cells pale
brown. Since the boundaries of the respective colours
coincide exactly with the sharp delimitations of the individual
segments, it is probably not justified to assume that the
differences in shade only resulted from the state of
preservation. It is unlikely, particularly in view of the minute
size of the objects, for differences to occur in the state of
preservation of the individual parts; in addition, within the
genera Chaetosphaeria, Lophiostoma, Massaria and
Melanomma there occur many species in which only the
middle cells are of darker colour – generally dark brown or
blackish-than the end cells which often appear almost
colourless. The shape of the sporidia is strongly obtuse
spindle-shaped, almost like that of a cylinder with rounded
ends. They probably consist of 4 segments, but the midmost
septum is not clearly visible on account of the dark
colouration of this area. The length is 0.0238 mm (23.8 m),
the width 0.0085 mm (8.5 m). The two median, dark coloured
20 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
cells are larger than the two others; their combined length is
0.0148 mm (14.8 m).
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Chaetosphaerites raoi (Ramanujam & Rao 1978)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 34
MycoBank No.: MB 483286.
Cannanorosporonites raoi Ramanujam & Rao, in Bharadwaj,
D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th International
Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77, Volume 1, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p. 299, pl. 2, fig. 33.
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spore 4-celled,
55 x 32 m, basal and apical cells about half the size of central
cells and more flattened. Transverse septa up to 4 m thick;
lateral walls of central cells 2.5 m tick, of basal and apical
cells 1.5 m thick, surface psilate.
Fig. 34. Chaetosphaerites raoi. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299, pl. 2, fig. 33,
Miocene, Kerala.
Genus: Chlamydospora Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541646.
Type species: Chlamydospora dichotoma Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Chlamydospores oval,
12–25 x 10–22 m, dark brown, hyphae dichotomously
branched to produce two spores, wall up to 2 m thick,
laevigate, hyphae septate.
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Remarks: Kar et al. (2010) proposed the new genus
Chlamydospora, which is identical to Palaeomycites
Meschinelli 1902 and therefore considered here its junior
synonym.
Species: Chlamydospora dichotoma Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 542237.
Remarks: Since Chlamydospora is considered here a junior
synonym of Palaeomycites, Chlamydospora dichotoma Kar
et al. 2010 is being transferred to Palaeomycites Meschinelli
1902 [See: Palaeomycites dichotomus (Kar et al. 2010) comb.
nov.]
Genus: Chlamydosporites Paradkar 1975
MycoBank No.: MB 21054.
Type species: Chlamydosporites gramineus Paradkar 1975.
Description (Paradkar 1975, p. 96): Mycelium of septate
branched hyphae with haustoria, chlamydospores with thick
wall.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Ustilaginales.
Species: Chlamydosporites gramineus Paradkar 1975
Fig. 35
MycoBank No.: MB 311052.
Description (Paradkar 1975, p. 96): Mycelium of profusely
branched hyphae, septate, 4-6 m broad, with haustoria,
chlamydospores 10-12 m thick with reticulate exine and thin
intine.
Fig. 35. Chlamydosporites gramineus. A. Reticulate
chlamydospore; B-C. Mycelium and hyphae with haustoria
and chlamydospores. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India
Age: ?Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Paradkar 1975, p. 96-97, pl. 1, fig. 4, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (?Late Cretaceous), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 21
Genus: Circinoconites Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541647.
Type species: Circinoconites arthrus Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Fungal conidia, conidia
acrogenous, strongly spiralled, spirals 30–39 x 25–31 m;
solitary, coiled, not in chains or slime, 8–14 septate, fist-
shaped, dark brown, constricted at septa, cells increasing in
diameter from base to apex, dissimilar, spirally arranged.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Circinoconites arthrus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 36
MycoBank No.: MB 542238.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Conidia arise from tip of
conidiophores, helicoid, looking like fist, 42–30 x 23–27 m
made up of 10–16 cells, cells increase in size from base to top,
basal cell, rectangular, 6–8 x 4–6 m 3–4, lower cells straight,
rest cells coiled, septate, septa up to 2 m thick, constriction
more marked in middle region, individual cells rectangular–
wedge shaped, terminal cell oval–subcircular, 11–18 x 1216
m; spore wall about 1 m thick, mostly laevigate, sometimes
weakly intrastructured.
Fig. 36. Circinoconites arthrus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 2, fig. 10, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Colligerites Jain & Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 21058.
Type species: Colligerites kutchensis (Kar & Saxena 1976)
Jain & Kar 1979.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110): Spores multicellular,
coiled, cells generally smaller, rounded in central region and
bigger, rectangular in outer region. Spore wall mostly laevigate,
sometimes granulose. Pore may be present or absent in each
cell.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Colligerites chowdhryi Jain & Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 112034.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Involutisporonites Clarke (1965) [See:
Involutisporonites chowdhryi (Jain & Kar 1979) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Colligerites kutchensis (Kar & Saxena 1976) Jain
& Kar 1979
Fig. 37
MycoBank No.: MB 112205.
Involutisporonites kutchensis Kar & Saxena, Palaeobotanist
23(1), p. 12, pl. 3, fig. 37. 1976.
Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 12): Coiled, laevigate,
generally monoporate fungal spores. Cells in central region
darker with thicker wall and rhomboid-squarish shape, outer
cells thinner but longer, having rectangular shape.
Fig. 37. Colligerites kutchensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Matanomadh Village, Bhuj-Lakhpat Road, Kutch
District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Matanomadh Formation).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 12, pl. 3, figs. 37-38,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110, pl. 2, fig. 29, Miocene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala.
Colligerites trochus Samant in Saxena 2009
Fig. 38
MycoBank No.: MB 515017.
Colligerites trochus Samant, Geophytology 28, p. 12, pl. 1,
fig. 3. 2000. (nom. inval.).
Description (Samant 2000, p. 12): Fungal spores multicellular;
coiled; trochospiral coiling; 47-60 11m in diameter;
nonaperturate; first cell smallest, dark in colour and almost
indistinct, cells of inner circle dark and fused, cell size gradually
22 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
increases from centre to outer region, individual cell
rectangular in shape; spore wall smooth.
Fig. 38. Colligerites trochus. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat,
India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 3, Kharsalia Clay
Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig. 2.1, Cambay Shale
(Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Genus: Cucurbitariaceites Kar et al. 1972
MycoBank No.: MB 21067.
Type species: Cucurbitariaceites bellus Kar et al. 1972.
Description (Kar et al. 1972, p. 148): Pseudoperithecia
subcircular to circular, 40-120 m, outer region darker than
inner, laevigate, Asci 1-20 m, equal or unequal in size,
cylindrical to somewhat bulging at tips in mature stage. No
true paraphysis observed, but in some specimens basal part
of asci may join together to form a broad irregular mesh like
structure.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Dothideales.
Species: Cucurbitariaceites bellus Kar et al. 1972
Fig. 39
MycoBank No.: MB 312379.
Description (Kar et al. 1972, p. 148): Pseudoperithecia
subcircular to circular, 40-120 m. Peripheral part dark brown,
central part translucent, characterized by presence of a
polygonal area formed by the interconnection of basal parts
of asci. Asci ± cylindrical, sometimes swollen tipped, always
originate from upper surface of stroma.
Fig. 39. Cucurbitariaceites bellus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Nongwal Bibra, Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
Age: Tura Formation (Palaeocene).
Indian records: Kar et al. 1972, p. 148, pl. 1, figs. 11-15, Tura
Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Varma & Patil
1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p. 73, pl.
2, fig. 8, Therria Formation (Palaeocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar 1991,
p. 26, Early Miocene, north of Maibong Railway Station, North
Cachar Hills District, Assam; Mandaokar 1993, p. 139, Tikak
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Dangri Kumari Colliery,
Dibrugarh District, Assam; Mandal et al. 1996, p. 80, age not
mentioned, mud volcano in Baratang Island, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands; Saxena et al. 1996, p. 21, pl. 3, fig. 13, Tura
Formation (Palaeocene), Nongwal Bibra area, East Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar 2000a, p. 320, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near Chandmari,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, pl. 1, figs.
20, 24, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Jeypore
Colliery, Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields, Dibrugarh District, Assam;
Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Namchik River Section, Changlang District,
Arunachal Pradesh; Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte
Formation (Early Miocene), 2 km from Dulte Village on Dulte-
Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2002b,
p. 21, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Borjan
Coalfield, Nagaland; Mandaokar 2003, p. 187, Middle Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Lawngtlai, Chhimtuipui District,
Mizoram; Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong Sandstone
(Late Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills,
Assam; Mandaokar 2005, p. 55, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Ledo Colliery, Makum Coalfield, Assam; Kar et
al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam,
Mizoram, India.
Species: Cucurbitariaceites keralensis Varma & Patil 1985
Fig. 40
MycoBank No.: MB 133493.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 23
Description (Varma & Patil 1985, p. 155): Pseudoperithecia
subcircular to circular, dark-brown, 86-90 m in diameter. Outer
region light- brown, characteristically very wide (about 28-32
m), uneven, with microreticulate ornamentation, imparting a
mesh-like appearance to the peripheral zone. Central part
conspicuously small, circular in outline, about 20-26 m in
diameter, with radiating lines of adpressed asci running from
the radius to the periphery of the central part. Central part
darker than the peripheral region.
Fig. 40. Cucurbitariaceites keralensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala,
India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Varma & Patil 1985, p. 155, pl. 1, fig. 29,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
D
Genus: Dactylosporites Paradkar 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 21070.
Type species: Dactylosporites dicotylophylli Paradkar 1976.
Description (Paradkar 1976, p. 120): Fungus saprophytic,
mycelium septate, phragmospores smooth.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Remarks: Dactylosporites Paradkar 1976 is a junior synonym
of Dictyosporites Felix 1894.
Species: Dactylosporites dicotylophylli Paradkar 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 483815.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dictyosporites Felix 1894 with a new name [See:
Dictyosporites paradkariae Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Genus: Deccanodia Singhai 1974
MycoBank No.: MB 21071.
Type species: Deccanodia eocena Singhai 1974.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 100): Pycnidium brown, more or
less globose, non-ostiolate, thick-walled; conidia many, faintly
to dark brown in a mass, unequally 2-celled, oblong or ellipsoid.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Deccanodia eocena Singhai 1974
Fig. 41
MycoBank No.: MB 312756.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 100): Pycnidium brown, more or
less globose, 345 x 364 m in size; conidia faintly brown,
unequally 2-celled, oblong or ellipsoid, with their ends pointed
or rounded, or one end pointed and the other round, measuring
12-24 x 2-8 m.
Fig. 41. Deccanodia eocena. A. Pycnidium. Bar = 250 m, B.
Pycnidiospores. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Masstrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Beds).
Indian records: Singhai 1974, p. 100, pl. 1, figs. 9-10, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Dendromyceliates Jain & Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 25610.
Type species: Dendromyceliates splendus Jain & Kar 1979.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111): Hyphae thick-walled,
septate, cylindrical, base swollen, hyphae length divided into
several cells by septa, cells with or without pores, generally
uniporate. Tip of hyphae dichotomously branched 3-4 times,
acutely pointed.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Mycelia sterilia.
Species: Dendromyceliates rajmahalensis Tripathi 2001
Fig. 42
MycoBank No.: MB 532865.
Description (Tripathi 2001, p. 570): Fungal hyphae dark brown,
3-3.5 m wide, < 1 m thick, smooth, dichotomously branched,
rounded tips, septate; septa thin; cells aporate. Free ends of
hyphae bear globular, round-headed, smooth structures:
24 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
conidia separated by thin septa. In places, hyphae bear small,
0.5 m long, baculate projections.
Fig. 42. Dendromyceliates rajmahalensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Borehole RJNE-32, depth 95.50 m, Rajmahal Basin,
Bihar, India.
Age: Early Cretaceous (Rajmahal Formation).
Indian records: Tripathi 2001, p. 570, figs. 4F-K, Rajmahal
Formation (Early Cretaceous), Borehole RJNE-32, depth 95.50
m, Rajmahal Basin, Bihar.
Species: Dendromyceliates splendus Jain & Kar 1979
Fig. 43
MycoBank No.: MB 112059.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 112): Fungal hyphae 52-165
m long, dark brown, thick-walled, septate, cells larger at
unbranched region, smaller in upper part, with or without
pores. Hyphae dichotomously branched 3-4 times, tips
pointed.
Fig. 43. Dendromyceliates splendus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Chanakkodi, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 112, pl. 3, figs. 45-46,
Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Varma & Patil
1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Saxena & Misra 1990,
p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Genus: Desmidiospora Thaxter 1891
MycoBank No.: MB 7964.
Type species: Desmidiospora myrmecophila Thaxter 1891.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Desmidiospora willoughbyi (Bradley 1967)
Ethridge Glass et al. 1986
Fig. 44
MycoBank No.: MB 357741.
Entophlyctis willoughbyi Bradley, American Journal of
Botany 54, p. 579, fig. 6. 1967.
Description (Ethridge Glass et al. 1986, p. 408): Sporangia
thick-walled and flattened in the plane of the substratum,
circular, 8-22 m diameter, to irregularly elliptical, up to as
much as 22 m long. Sporangia more or less deeply lobed, the
lobes being separated by distinctive narrow invaginations,
many of which have a characteristic circular enlargement at
the proximal ends. In larger sporangia these invaginations
commonly occur in radial sets of two or three lengths, each
shorter invagination being between two next longer
invaginations. Sporangia smooth or papillate, some having
the persistent thickened zoospore cyst, 2.5-3.5 m diameter,
and germ tube. Many have a clearly defined, circular exit pore,
2-2.5 m diameter. Zoospores and rhizoidal axes unknown.
Fig. 44. Desmidiospora willoughbyi. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180, pl. 1, figs. 3-5,
Quilon Beds (Early Miocene), Kollam, Kerala.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 25
Genus: Dicellaesporites Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21074.
Type species: Dicellaesporites popovii Elsik 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 269): Inaperturate, psilate fungal
spores or algal bodies. Two cells, uniseptate. Shape variable.
Emended Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 41):
Inaperturate fungal spores or algal bodies. Two cells,
uniseptate, shape variable. Sculpture psilate to scabrate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Species: Dicellaesporites aculeolatus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 45
MycoBank No.: MB 111404.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 41): Dicellate spore,
slightly tapered at both ends. Single opaque septum, wall
smooth, 0.5-1.0 m thick with small irregular folds. Size range
from 5.8 x 18.4 m - 6.8 x 21.3 m.
Fig. 45. Dicellaesporites aculeolatus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, fig. 11,
Miocene, Kerala.
Species: Dicellaesporites classicus sp. nov.
Fig. 46
MycoBank No.: MB 561702.
Dicellaesporites sp. B in Singh et al., Palaeobotanist 35(1), p.
98, pl. 2, fig. 23. 1986.
Description: Fungal spore elongated, biconvex. Size 110-126
x 34-46 m. Dicellate. Inaperturate. Uniseptate, septa clearly
discernible, thicker than spore wall. Spore wall 0.5-1 m thick,
foveolate, foveola sparsely placed but evenly distributed.
Few irregular folds present.
Fig. 46. Dicellaesporites classicus. Bar = 25 m.
Holotype: Singh et al. 1986, pl. 2, fig. 23, Slide no. 8122, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 98, pl. 2, fig. 23, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam.
Species: Dicellaesporites companulatus Ambwani 1983
Fig. 47
MycoBank No.: MB 106768.
Description (Ambwani 1983, p. 148): Inaperturate fungal spore
bodies, two cells, uniseriate, dark brown to blackish in colour,
size ± 80 m, shape ovate, upper cell companulate while basal
cell round, two cells separated by a very thick septum, about
12 m thick. Exine thin and smooth.
Fig. 47. Dicellaesporites companulatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene (Neyveli lignite).
Indian records: Ambwani 1983, p. 148, pl. 1, fig. 1, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
26 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Dicellaesporites constrictus Sah & Kar 1974
Fig. 48
MycoBank No.: MB 519767.
Description (Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181): Two celled psilate,
inaperturate fungal spores, 89-120 x 40-101 m, constricted in
middle, uniseptate. Individual cells subcircular-oval.
Fig. 48. Dicellaesporites constrictus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Palana lignite).
Indian records: Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181, pl. 4, fig. 99, Palana
lignite (Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Species: Dicellaesporites crassiseptus Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 108842.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Hilidicellites under a new name [See: Hilidicellites
dubius Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Species: Dicellaesporites disphaericus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 49
MycoBank No.: MB 111406.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 42): Two celled spore,
16.4 x 26.4 m, cells spherical, slightly flattened at one end.
Dark pigment, wall rough, scabrate, 1.0 m thick, opaque
equatorial septum and pronounced constriction.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Fig. 49. Dicellaesporites disphericus. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Ambwani 1983, p. 149, pl. 1, fig. 2, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Dicellaesporites ellipticus Jain & Kar 1979
Fig. 50
MycoBank No.:MB 112269.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110): Spores two celled,
elliptical, 45-70 x 30-60 m in size, inaperturate, septa distinct,
straight, cells equal. Spore wall 1-2 m thick, ornamentation
granulose-microverrucose, sculptural elements not more than
1 m high.
Fig. 50. Dicellaesporites ellipticus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Papanasam, Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110, pl. 2, figs. 31-32,
Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 13, Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early
Miocene), Churan Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Dicellaesporites elongatus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 51
MycoBank No.: MB 115060.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295): Spores
inaperturate, dicellate, melanin-coloured, ellipsoidal to almost
oblong, 21-26 x 6-8 m. Individual cells considerably
elongated; spore wall 1 m thick, transverse septum
considerably thicker, often more than twice as thick as the
wall, surface psilate.
Fig. 51. Dicellaesporites elongatus. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 27
Locality: Quilon and Warkalli beds of Kerala State along the
west coast of South India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, figs. 9-
10, Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig.
8, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation (Early
Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Dicellaesporites elongatus Kumar 1990 (nom.
illeg.)
MycoBank No.: MB 126551.
Remarks: Dicellaesporites elongatus Kumar 1990 is
illegitimate being a junior homonym of Dicellaesporites
elongatus Ramanujam & Rao 1978. For this reason, Kalgutkar
and Jansonius (2000) proposed a new name, Dicellaesporites
perelongatus, for Dicellaesporites elongatus Kumar 1990,
non Ramanujam & Rao 1978 [See: Dicellaesporites
perelongatus Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Species: Dicellaesporites elsikii Samant in Saxena 2009
Fig. 52
MycoBank No.: MB 515018
Dicellaesporites elsikii Samant, Geophytology 28(1-2), p. 12,
pl. 1, fig. 7. 2000. (nom. inval.).
Description (Samant 2000, p. 12): Fungal spores bicellate; 40-
45 x 20-26 m in size; cells of unequal size; first cell almost
circular, about 20 m in diameter, second cell large and
elongate, about 26 x 20 m in size; septate, septa thin or 1 m;
marked constriction between cells; spore wall thin (1 m),
smooth and hyaline.
Fig. 52. Dicellaesporites elsikii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 7, Kharsalia Clay
Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Dicellaesporites fusiformis Sheffy & Dilcher 1971
Fig. 53
MycoBank No.: MB 111408.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 41): Fusiform, fungal
spore 8.7 x 17.4 m psilate, light pigment. Septum disk shaped,
wall 1.0 m thick.
Fig. 53. Dicellaesporites fusiformis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1984, p. 186, pl. 2, fig. 29, Middle
Siwalik (Early Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 2, fig. 7,
Dona Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, Tikak Parbat
Formation (Late Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery, Dilli-Jeypore
Coalfields, Dibrugarh District, Assam.
Species: Dicellaesporites himachalensis Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1990
Fig. 54
MycoBank No.: MB 519768.
Description (Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 113): Dark
brown, dicellate, inaperturate, elliptical, fungal spore, distinct
septa, folds invariably present, size large, spore wall very
thick.
Fig. 54. Dicellaesporites himachalensis. Bar = 20 m.
28 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Manjhi Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra
District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Lower Dharmsala Group).
Indian records: Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 113, pl. 2,
fig. 9, Lower Dharmsala Group (Early Miocene), Manjhi
Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra District, Himachal
Pradesh.
Species: Dicellaesporites himalayaensis Gupta 2002
Fig. 55
MycoBank No.: MB 540463.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 131): Spores two celled, uniseptate,
inaperturate, 9 x 6 - 18 x 14 m, cells similar, not constricted
where they join, septum transverse, punctate/granulate and
irregularly folded, wall 0.5 m thick
Fig. 55. Dicellaesporites himalayaensis. Bar = 7 m.
Locality Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 131, pl. 2, fig. 1, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Dicellaesporites inaequalis (Varma & Patil 1985)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 56
MycoBank No.: MB 483293.
Dyadosporonites inaequalis Varma & Patil, Geophytology
15(2), p. 153, pl. 1, fig. 7. 1985.
Description (Varma & Patil 1985, p. 153): Spores dicellate,
diporate, fusiform, light brown, 89-92 x 22-24 m at the septum.
Spore wall double-layered, 2 m thick, psilate; inner layer
forms double-layered septum of uniform thickness dividing
the spore into two unequal halves, septum 2-5 m thick, with
2-pore-like cracks in the middle.
Fig. 56. Dicellaesporites inaequalis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Tonakkal area, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala,
South India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Varma & Patil 1985, p. 153, pl. 1, fig. 7, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli
Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Species: Dicellaesporites indicus Gupta 2002
Fig. 57
MycoBank No.: MB 540464.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 132): Spores two celled,
uniseptate, uniseriate, inaperturate, more or less doublet
shaped, 9-12 m long, 4-6.5 m broad, variably shortly
constricted in middle, transverse septum distinct, loosely
ornamented with large but coarse elements, surface folded,
wall ca. 1 m thick.
Fig. 57. Dicellaesporites indicus Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 29
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 132, pl. 2, fig. 2, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Dicellaesporites jainii sp. nov.
Fig. 58
MycoBank No.: MB 519938.
Dicellaesporites sp. in Jain et al., Geophytology 3(2), p. 161,
pl. 2, fig. 67. 1973.
Dicellaesporites sp. 2 in Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 12. 1984.
Description: Capsular fungal spores, dicellate, slightly
constricted in middle, 17-24 x 9-22 m, both cells almost equal
in size and shape, uniseptate, septa thicker than spore wall,
spore wall about 1.0 m thick, psilate, no aperture observed.
Fig. 58. Dicellaesporites jainii. Bar = 10 m.
Holotype: Jain et al. 1973, pl. 2, fig. 67, slide no. 4273/10, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Barmer Hill, Barmer District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Barmer Sandstone).
Indian records: Jain et al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, fig. 67, Barmer
Sandstone (Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Chandra et al. 1984, p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 12, Late
Quaternary, Core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Species: Dicellaesporites keralensis Kumar 1990
Fig. 59
MycoBank No.: MB 126552.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 20): Spores dicellate, inaperturate
and broadly oval in shape. Size 18-22 x 13-16 m. Broadly
rounded at free ends but slightly constricted at the septal
regions, cells unequal in size, 10-13 x 11-14 m. Both septum
and spore wall ±1 m thick and smooth.
Fig. 59. Dicellaesporites keralensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 20, pl. 1, fig. 12, text-fig. 9,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Samant 2000,
p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 6, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene),
near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Dicellaesporites levis Sheffy & Dilcher 1971
Fig. 60
MycoBank No.: MB 111410.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 41): Dicellate
spore, cells unequal in size, rounded at the apices, septum
opaque, disk shaped, slight equatorial constriction. Wall
psilate, 0.5-1.0 m thick. Size ranges from 9.7 x 27.1 m - 9.7 x
27.6 m.
Fig. 60. Dicellaesporites levis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Sarkar & Singh 1988, p. 58-59, pl. 5, fig. 2,
Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan area, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar & Prasad 2000b, p. 147,
30 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian-Middle Lutetian) west bank
of Ghaggar river near Kharak village, Morni Hills, Haryana.
Species: Dicellaesporites minutus Kar & Saxena 1976
Fig. 61
MycoBank No.: MB 112270.
Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 10): Spores bicellate, septa
distinct, oval, 23-33 x 7-12 m; inaperturate, septa distinct,
individual cells ± same in size and shape. Spore wall up to 1.5
m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 61. Dicellaesporites minutus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Matanomadh Formation).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, fig. 28,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, figs. 9-
10, Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig.
8, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 18, pl. 1, fig. 5, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area
in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Tripathi 1989, p. 73, pl. 3, fig.
12, Therria Formation (Palaeocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya; Ambwani 1993, p.
153, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, Rekmangiri Coalfield, Garo
Hills, Meghalaya; Tripathi 1995, p. 47, Palaeocene-Eocene,
subsurface sediments near Kapurdi, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, pl. 3, fig. 17, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road near
Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar
2000a, p. 320, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn
near Chandmari, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mitra et al. 2000,
p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 5, Siwalik Group (Neogene), Darjeeling
Foothills, Eastern Himalaya; Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte
Formation (Early Miocene), 2 km from Dulte Village on Dulte-
Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2002b,
p. 21, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Borjan
Coalfield, Nagaland; Mandaokar 2003, p. 187, Middle Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Lawngtlai, Chhimtuipui District,
Mizoram; Tripathi et al. 2003, p. 90, Akli Formation (Late
Palaeocene), Barmer Basin, Rajasthan; Mandaokar 2004, p.
146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene), Champhai area,
Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram.
Species: Dicellaesporites perelongatus Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 62
MycoBank No.: MB 483296.
Dicellaesporites elongatus Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 63, p. 20, pl. 1, fig. 9. 1990, non Ramanujam &
Rao 1978
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 20): Spores dicellate, fusiform
and inaperturate. Size 41-50 x 14-17 m. Cells gradually tapering
at either end. Both spore wall and septum ± 1 m thick. Spore
wall smooth, light coloured and folded. Septum centrally
porate.
Fig. 62. Dicellaesporites perelongatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 20, pl. 1, fig. 9, text-fig. 8,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Tripathi et al.
2000, p. 243, Tura Formation (Early Eocene), Tura-Dalu Road,
West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar 2004, p. 146,
Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene), Champhai area,
Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram; Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Dicellaesporites popovii Elsik 1968
Fig. 63
MycoBank No.: MB 312948.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 31
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 269): Capsular, inaperturate,
dicellate fungal spore ca. 19 x 29 m. Wall 0.8 m thick, psilate.
Septum 1 m thick, appears to be of two layers.
Fig. 63. Dicellaesporites popovii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, fig. 27,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, fig. 8,
Miocene, Kerala; Ambwani 1982, p. 30, pl. 1, fig. 10, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-Bommuru near
Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh;
Tripathi 1989, p. 73, pl. 1, fig. 7, Therria Formation (Palaeocene),
Jowai-Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya;
Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene),
Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra;
Tripathi 1995, p. 47, Palaeocene-Eocene, subsurface sediments
near Kapurdi, Barmer District, Rajasthan; Samant & Phadtare
1997, p. 66, pl. 15, fig. 6, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene),
Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52,
Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road area, Kollam District,
Kerala; Tripathi et al. 2003, p. 90, Akli Formation (Late
Palaeocene), Barmer Basin, Rajasthan; Singh & Tripathi 2010,
p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 12, Akli Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole
near Barakha, Barmer District, Rajasthan.
Species: Dicellaesporites singhii sp. nov.
Fig. 64
MycoBank No.: MB 519939.
Dicellaesporites sp. in Saxena & Singh, Geophytology 12(2),
p. 294, pl. 2, fig. 26. 1982a.
Dicellaesporites sp. 1 in Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 11. 1984.
Description: Fungal spore oval-fusiform, size 85-89 x 60-79
m. Dicellate, cells unequal in size, smaller cells have broadly
rounded end but bigger one has ±pointed end. Uniseptate,
septa 2-2.5 m thick, dark in colour. Inaperturate. Spore wall
0.5-1.0 m thick, psilate to weakly structured, having few
irregular folds.
Fig. 64. Dicellaesporites singhii. Bar = 20 m.
Holotype: Saxena & Singh 1982a, pl. 2, fig. 26; slide no. 6702a/
1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, Hoshiarpur District,
Punjab and Una District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Pliocene (Upper Siwalik).
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 294, pl. 2, fig. 26,
Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal
Pradesh; Chandra et al. 1984, p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 11, Late
Quaternary, Core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.92 N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Genus: Dictyomykus Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541657.
Type species: Dictyomykus ellipticus Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Conidiophores small,
closely placed to form a sporodochium like cluster; conidia
elliptical, basal part narrowed than terminal, 30–48 x 7–12 m,
branches 4–8, parallel, develop from a basal cell, laterally fused,
multiseptate, septa margin not constricted, incurved at tip,
spore wall laevigate.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Dictyomykus ellipticus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 65
MycoBank No.: MB 542240.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Conidiophores
inconspicuous, 4–6 celled, closely adhered to each other;
conidia borne singly, elliptical in shape, basal part generally
narrower than terminal end, may also be equally broad at two
ends, 30–48 x 9–14 m, branches 5–8, equal in length, fused
laterally except at tip, transversely septate, septa 10–18,
distinct, parallel to each other, no appreciable constriction at
32 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
margin, terminal cell markedly curved, spore wall about 1 m
thick, laevigate.
Fig. 65. Dictyomykus ellipticus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 2, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Genus: Dictyosporites Felix 1894
MycoBank No.: MB 21075.
Arbusculites Paradkar 1976.
Dactylosporites Paradkar 1976.
Pleosporonites Lange & Smith 1971.
Ravenelites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980.
Type species: Dictyosporites loculatus Felix 1894.
Description (combined description, Felix 1894, p. 277): The
so-called wall-shaped conidia become multicellular by
repeated transverse and longitudinal divisions. In addition
to large conidia, whose growth can probably be regarded as
complete, uni- and bicellular conidia representing the initial
developmental stages also occur. They are all of brownish
colouration. Their outlines are rather variable, depending on
the position of the conidium to the plane of section. Viewed
from the top or bottom, they often appear spherical with flatly
indented outlines; longitudinal sections are of rather irregular
shape; elliptical, pear-shaped or resembling short, corpulent
snails (e.g. Turbo). The maximum length is 0.0204 mm (20.4
m), the maximum diameter 0.0153 mm (15.3 m); the respective
dimensions of an only bicellular conidium are 0.0102 and
0.0085 mm (10.2 and 8.5 m).
Emended description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 72):
Inaperturate, multicellate (apparently by internal septation,
of irregular pattern), muriform fungal spores, cells rounded to
rounded polygonal. Overall shape rounded, oval/ovoid to
elongate; indentations may occur where septa intersect the
amb. A hilum cannot be discerned. Staphlosporonites differs
in showing a distinct hilum, or proximal hilar cell.
Papulosporonites consists of spore clusters or aggregates,
in which there is no suggestion of linear or planar symmetry.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Dictyosporites dicotylophylli (Paradkar 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 66
MycoBank No.: MB 483297.
Arbusculites dicotylophylli Paradkar, Journal of Palynology
10(2), p. 119-120, pl. 1, fig. 5, text-fig. 1, 3-4, 7-8. 1976.
Description (Paradkar 1976, p. 119-120): Saprophytic fungus;
mycelium of septate hyphae; conidial head with paraphyses;
conidia of dictyospore type, irregular in size and shape, 15-22
m in size each, in simple or branched chains. Host: decaying
dicotyledonous leaves. Conidial head 60-65 m in size; conidia
in chains, muriform, compound, dictyospore type, with
transverse and vertical septa forming a checkered structure
inside the compound spore. Some conidial chains and many
conidia are scattered on the leaf peel, as are some septate
hyphae and some mycelial projections like paraphyses
between the spore chains on the conidial head. Haustoria are
absent. The growth of these spores is not acropetal. Conidia
are irregular in size and shape. They vary from 15-22 m in
size, and are oval, oblong, squarish or rounded in shape.
Fig. 66. Dictyosporites dicotylophylli. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Series).
Indian records: Paradkar 1976, p. 119-120, pl. 1, fig. 5, text-
figs. 1, 3-4, 7-8, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Late Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Species: Dictyosporites paradkariae Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 67
MycoBank No.: MB 483305.
Dactylosporites dicotylophylli Paradkar, Journal of
Palynology 10(2), p. 120, pl. 1, fig. 2, text-fig. 5. 1976, non
Dictyosporites dicotylophylli (Paradkar 1976) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 33
Description (Paradkar 1976, p. 120): Fungus saprophytic,
mycelium septate; elongated or oval, smooth phragmospores,
31-40 m long and 12-18 m broad, 4- to 9-celled, seen singly
and not as groups. Mycelium (observed only in one case),
septate.
Fig. 67. Dictyosporites paradkariae. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara district, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Series).
Indian records: Paradkar 1976, p. 120, 123, pl. 1, fig. 2, text-fig.
5, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Late Cretaceous), Mohgaon
Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Species: Dictyosporites tirumalacharii (Ramanujam &
Ramachar) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 68
MycoBank No.: MB 483307.
Ravenelites tirumalacharii Ramanujam & Ramachar, Records
of the Geological Survey of India 113(5), p. 83, pl. 1, fig. 12.
1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 83): Teliospore
heads rounded, chestnut-brown, often darkly so, 35-55 m in
diameter, usually 4-8 spores across in each head;
configuration and size of spores in each head variable,
individual spores 8-11.5 m, wall up to 2.5 m thick, smooth
or finely flecked; germ pores one in each cell (spore) of telial
head, 1.5 m across, occasionally faint.
Fig. 68. Dictyosporites tirumalacharii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene (Neyveli lignite).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 83, pl. 1,
figs. 11-12, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu; Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, figs.
3.27, 35, Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of
Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District,
Gujarat.
Species: Dictyosporites tristratosus (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 69
MycoBank No.: MB 483308.
Staphlosporonites tristratosus Sheffy & Dilcher,
Palaeontographica Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 48, pl. 16, fig. 78. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 48): Eight or more
irregular cells arranged in an ovate structure 10.6 x 19.3 m,
two to three cells wide. Psilate, light pigment, septa opaque,
varying in thickness, continuous with wall, 0.7 m thick.
Fig. 69. Dictyosporites tristratosus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, one-half mile south of Puryear,
Henry County, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Ambwani 1983, p. 150, pl. 1, fig. 8, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Saxena & Sarkar 2000, p. 257, Siju Formation (Middle Eocene),
Simsang River Section near Siju, South Garo Hills District,
Meghalaya.
Genus: Dictyostromata Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541658.
Type species: Dictyostromata perfecta Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Stromata fan-shaped
except attachment zone; attachment slightly pointed,
haustorium hyaline, nonseptate, tubular, 32-49 x 22-38 m,
lateral arms more or less equal, hyphae radially and
transversely anastomose to form pseudoreticulation on both
sides.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
34 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Remarks: Kar et al. (2010) proposed the new genus
Dictyostromata, which is identical to Kutchiathyrites Kar 1979
and therefore the former is considered here as junior synonym
of the latter.
Species: Dictyostromata perfecta Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 542241.
Remarks: Since Dictyostromata is considered here a junior
synonym of Kutchiathyrites Kar 1979, Dictyostromata
perfecta Kar et al. 2010 is being transferred to Kutchiathyrites
Kar 1979 [See: Kutchiathyrites perfectus (Kar et al. 2010)
comb. nov.]
Genus: Didymoporisporonites Sheffy & Dilcher 1971
MycoBank No.:MB 21077.
Type species: Didymoporisporonites psilatus Sheffy &
Dilcher 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 42): Spore dicellate,
uniseptate, pore at apex of one cell. Sculpture psilate to
punctate, variable.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Species: Didymoporisporonites gigas Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 70
MycoBank No.: MB 483310.
Lacrimasporonites magnus Saxena & Singh, Geophytology
12(2), p. 295, pl. 2, fig. 27. 1982a, non Lacrimasporonites
magnus Haseldonckx 1973.
Description (Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 295): Fungal spore ±
elliptical, size 120 x 47 m, distal end of spore pointed and
proximal end broad. Unicellate, aseptate. Monoporate, pore
apical, on the broader end, 27 m in diameter, surrounded by
thickening. Spore wall 0.5 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 70. Didymoporisporonites gigas. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, near Bankhandi,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab, India.
Age: Miocene-Pliocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 295, pl. 2, fig. 27,
Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal
Pradesh.
Species: Didymoporisporonites indicus Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106776.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Hilidicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Hilidicellites indicus (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Didymoporisporonites longus (Kar 1979)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 71
MycoBank No.: MB 483311.
Lacrimasporonites longus Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(1), p. 33,
pl. 3, fig. 56. 1979.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 33): Spores 67-132 x 32-47 m,
elliptical, carrot-shaped, monoporate; pore circular, distinct,
margin slightly thickened, a lid-like projection present above
the pore; spore coat laevigate.
Fig. 71. Didymoporisporonites longus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Barkhana nala cutting, near Sarangwara Village,
Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Oligocene (Maniyara Fort Formation).
Indian records: Kar 1979, p. 33, pl. 3, fig. 56, Maniyara Fort
Formation (Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near
Sarangwara, Kutch District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 112,
pl. 3, fig. 47, Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala;
Kar & Saxena 1981, p. 106, Middle Eocene, bore core no. 27
near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Kar 1985, p. 130, Eocene,
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 35
bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Ambwani
1993, p. 153, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, Rekmangiri Coalfield,
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte
Formation (Early Miocene), 2 km from Dulte village on Dulte-
Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Species: Didymoporisporonites psilatus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 72
MycoBank No.: MB 111424.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 42): Oval, two-celled,
psilate fungal spore. Cells unequal in size, single pore in smaller
cell, larger cell with darker pigment. Septum opaque, wall 0.5-
1.0 m thick. Size ranges from 6.3 x 10.6 m - 6.8 x 11.1 m (two
specimens).
Fig. 72. Didymoporisporonites psilatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig. 7,
Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal.
Species: Didymoporisporonites siddiquiei Chandra et al.
1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106777.
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Hilidicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Hilidicellites siddiquiei (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Diplodia Fries 1834
MycoBank No.: MB 8047.
Type species: None designated.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Diplodia rodei Mahabale 1969.
MycoBank No.: MB 313187.
Remarks: Kalgutkar et al. (1993) transferred this species to
Diplodites Teterevnikova-Babaian & Taslakhchian 1973 ex
Kalgutkar et al. 1993 [See: Diplodites rodei (Mahabale 1969)
Kalgutkar et al. (1993)].
Species: Diplodia sahnii Singhai 1974
MycoBank No.: MB 313191.
Remarks: Kalgutkar et al. (1993) transferred this species to
Diplodites Teterevnikova-Babaian & Taslakhchian 1973 ex
Kalgutkar et al. 1993 [See: Diplodites sahnii (Singhai 1974)
Kalgutkar et al. (1993)].
Genus: Diplodites Teterevnikova-Babaian & Taslakhchian
1973 ex Kalgutkar et al. 1993
MycoBank No.: MB 532862.
Palaeodiplodites Watanabe et al. 1999.
Type species: Diplodites sweetii Kalgutkar et al. 1993.
Description (Kalgutkar et al. 1993, p. 111): Hyphae intercellular,
in the pericarp, septate, branched, smooth, thick-walled.
Pycnidia superficial or immersed, with no definite orientation;
shape and size variable, globose to subglobose, ovate-oblong
or pyriform; dark, thick-walled, wall tissue
pseudoparenchymatous. Pycnidia generally ostiolate,
astomous when immersed; solitary or aggregated in small
groups; a subicle or stroma present. Stroma typically dark
brown or black, composed of thick-walled cells, uniloculate.
Immature pycnidia filled with thin-walled cells. Conidia 1-
septate or aseptate, both kinds occurring in the same
pycnidium, size variable, ellipsoidal-oblong to ovate, light to
dark brown, septa twice as thick as spore walls; globose
conidia 1-celled, lightly coloured; two-celled conidia brown,
with striations occasionally present. Conidiophores or their
remnants not present.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Diplodites mohgaoensis (Barlinge & Paradkar
1982) Kalgutkar et al. 1993
Fig. 73
MycoBank No.: MB 532825.
Botryodiplodia mohgaoensis Barlinge & Paradkar, Botanique
10(1-4), p. 168-169, pl. 1, fig. G. 1982.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 168-169): Pycnidia
100-114 x 7-80 m, compact; conidiophores branched; conidia
bicelled, dark, 7-8 x 3-3.5 m, fusiform with striations; hyphae
branched, septate.
Fig. 73. Diplodites mohgaoensis. Bar = 100 m.
36 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Series).
Indian records: Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 168-169, pl. 1,
fig. G, text-figs. A-E, Deccan Intertrappean Series (?Late
Cretaceous), Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Species: Diplodites rodei (Mahabale 1969) Kalgutkar et al.
1993
Fig. 74
MycoBank No.: MB 532806.
Diplodia rodei Mahabale, Palaeobotanist 17(3), p. 295, pl. 1,
figs. 1-6. 1969.
Description (Mahabale 1969, p. 295): Well preserved, two-
celled, oval-oblong spores, 17.5-18 x 7.5 m, smooth, thick-
walled, purple, placed in a thick-walled pycnidium embedded
in decaying tissues of monocotyledonous plants, preserved
in a small Intertrappean chert of olivaceous brown colour.
Mycelium septate, conidium terminal and unbranched.
Fig. 74. Diplodites rodei. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Tertiary (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Mahabale 1969, p. 295, pl. 1, figs. 1-6, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Tertiary), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Species: Diplodites sahnii (Singhai 1974) Kalgutkar et al.
1993
Fig. 75
MycoBank No.: MB 532805.
Diplodia sahnii Singhai, Journal of Biological Sciences 17, p.
97, pl. 1, figs. 5-8. 1974.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 97): Pycnidia spherical. Ostiolate
and measuring 100-200 x 100-160 m; conidia dark brown, 2-
celled, ellipsoid or ovoid or oblong, measuring 9-14 x 6-8 m;
conidiophores short and simple, measuring 4 x 2 m.
Fig. 75. Diplodites sahnii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Beds).
Indian records: Singhai 1974, p. 97, pl. 1, figs. 5-8, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Species: Diplodites sweetii Kalgutkar et al. 1993
Fig. 76
MycoBank No.: MB 533027.
Description (Kalgutkar et al. 1993, p. 111): An internal
mycelium consisting of branched hyphae ramifies through
the tissue of the pericarp. No external or superficial mycelium
is present. Internal hyphae are smooth, thick-walled and 3-6
m in diameter. The ramifying hyphae were seen in close
proximity with a row of pycnidia developed within the pericarp
tissue. An open and split pycnidium was found on the perianth
in three-dimensional view showing pseudoparenchymatous
wall tissue, a pycnidial cavity, an ostiole and liberated conidia
outside the fruit wall in the vicinity of the pycnidium.
Morphology of the pycnidia is variable, showing a wide range
of form and size. Pycnidia are globose to subglobose, 68-108
m in diameter, or ovate-oblong to pyriform with a size range
of 79-353 x 54-234 m. They are thick-walled, dark brown,
immersed, erumpent or superficial, ostiolate or astomous when
immersed. Pycnidia occur singly or aggregated in small groups
with a subicle or a stroma. Stroma typically dark brown to
black, thick-walled, uniloculate, and covering a single
pycnidium or a group of pycnidia with measured stromatic
tissue around 30 m thick on the side, 72 m thick at the base
and a pedicellate portion 90 x 36 m. Generally, pycnidium
occurs largely surrounded by the stromatic tissue and a fused
pycnidial wall. The pycnidium appears raised and erumpent
when pedicellate. External pycnidia are generally ostiolate.
Presence of seemingly non-ostiolate pycnidia may simply
represent non-median sections. Ostioles appear to develop
at one end with the widening and separation of some thin-
walled cells making a narrow passage to facilitate dispersal of
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 37
the conidia. Superficial immature pycnidia in tangential section
consist of a pycnidial wall surrounding a central primordial
tissue of thin-walled cells. The narrow end of the pycnidium
is indicative of the future ostiolar opening, while the central
tissue may represent a fertile portion developing eventually
into a palisade-like layer of conidiophores that lined the inner
wall of the mature fructification. Mature and relatively young
pycnidia contain conidia. Conidia are also found in close
proximity to solitary and empty pycnidia. Both septate and
aseptate conidia seem to occur in the same pycnidium. Conidia
are one- or two celled, of varying shapes and sizes, but distinct
size ranges in the 2-celled conidia corresponding to globose
and extended pycnidia were not observed. Ellipsoidal-oblong
to ovate conidia are present. These are dark brown, 1-septate,
obtuse, smooth, with thickened central septum. The septum
is nearly twice as thick as the cell wall. Globose conidia are
generally 1-celled, somewhat lightly coloured but not hyaline
or smooth. The two-celled conidia are between 14-18 x 7-9 m
in size whereas globose conidia are around 7 m in diameter.
No conidiophores or their remnants were recognized in the
pycnidia containing conidia, and observed conidia were
without appendages. Striations on the conidia are not a
common feature; however, a few conidia with longitudinal
striae were encountered.
Fig. 76. Diplodites sweetii. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
beds).
Indian records: Kalgutkar et al. 1993, p. 111, pl. 1, fig. 3, Deccan
Intertrappean beds (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Diploneurospora Jain & Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.:MB 21081.
Type species: Diploneurospora tewarii Jain & Gupta 1970.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180): Ascospore two celled,
uniseriate, elliptical margin uneven; upper cell prominent, dark
brown in colour, thick walled, wall sculptured with longitudinal
ribs. Lower cell hyaline, appendage like, small in size, rib
sculpture faint.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Sphaeriales.
Species: Diploneurospora tewarii Jain & Gupta 1970
Fig. 77
MycoBank No.: MB 313231.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180): Ascospores two
celled, uniseriate, cells unequal in size, length ratio nearly 3:1,
both ends acute, two cells attached at broader base along
one side. Larger cell dark brown in colour, elliptical, 50 x 16 m
in size, exine 0.7 m thick, sculptured, ribs prominent on one
side, extending up to margins on the other side, leaving central
portion free, ribs longitudinal, dichotomous, 8-10 in number,
branched. Smaller cell hyaline, tail like, 10 x 15 m in size.
Exine thin, ribs very faint, 4-5 in number.
Fig. 77. Diploneurospora tewarii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180, pl. 1, fig. 21, Early
Miocene, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Genus: Diporicellaesporites Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21083.
Type species: Diporicellaesporites stacyi Elsik 1968.
38 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 279): Elongate, diporate, multicellate
fungal or algal spores. One pore at each end of the spore.
Shape and ornamentation variable except never coiled. Two
or more septae.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Diporicellaesporites attenuatus Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 108846.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000 [See: Quilonia attenuata (Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporicellaesporites concavus Kumar 1990
Fig. 78
MycoBank No.: MB 126553.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 24): Fungal spores multicellate,
diporate and fusiform in shape. Size range 38-42 x 22-24 m.
Spore gradually tapering at both ends. Central cells dark in
colour and larger in size (8-13 x 13-21 m), apical cells smaller,
hyaline, porate and delimited by a concave darker outline
(septum). Spore wall thickest at the central septal region and
smooth. Septum straight or disc-shaped, septum of central
cell ± 3 m thick with a central pore. Terminal pores ± 2 m
wide, pore margin thin and hyaline.
Fig. 78. Diporicellaesporites concavus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 24, pl. 1, figs. 15, 21, text-fig.
17, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near
Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Diporicellaesporites dilcheri (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 79
MycoBank No.: MB 483313.
Inapertisporites dilcheri Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 4. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44): Biconvex, lanceolate
fungal spores with both apices pointed, size range 33-55 x
17-22 m; unicellate, inaperturate, spore wall 0.5 m thick,
psilate.
Fig. 79. Diporicellaesporites dilcheri. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.92 N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 30, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Sediment core no. 3 (Lat. 19°32.8'N: Long. 71°21.5'E), Sediment
core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea; Saxena
& Khare 1992, p. 37, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil
Nadu.
Species: Diporicellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi
2000, non Martínez-Hernández & Tomasini-Ortiz 1989.
MycoBank No.: MB 515004.
Remarks: Diporicellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi
2000 is illegitimate, being junior homonym of
Diporicellaesporites elsikii Martínez-Hernández & Tomasini-
Ortiz 1989. For this reason, Saxena (2009) replaced it with a
new name [See: Diporicellaesporites samantiae Saxena 2009]
Species: Diporicellaesporites fusiformis Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
Fig. 80
MycoBank No.: MB 108847.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 128): Spore dark
brown, 5-celled, fusiform, 49.5-55.6 x 15.6-18.5 m, central cells
10.2 x 17 m, terminal cells smaller, conio-truncate, 8.5 x 6.8
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 39
m, diporate, one pore at each end, transverse septa fairly
thick and dark, each 1.7 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 80. Diporicellaesporites fusiformis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Palayangadi, Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 128, pl. 2, fig.
22, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Varma
& Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Diporicellaesporites multicellatus Saxena & Khare
1992
MycoBank No.: MB 483893.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000 [See: Quilonia multicellata (Saxena & Khare
1992) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporicellaesporites padappakkarensis Kumar
1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126554.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Biporipsilonites padappakkarensis (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporicellaesporites pluricellus Kar & Saxena
1976
Fig. 81
MycoBank No.: MB 112280.
Diporicellaesporites sp. Kar et al., Palaeobotanist 19(2), p.
152, pl. 2, fig. 27. 1972.
Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11-12): Spores generally
eight celled but number may vary from seven to eleven, 67-94
x 19-38 m, ± elliptical in shape. One pore at each margin, pore
well developed, sometimes may be slightly protruding. Spore
wall up to 2.5 m thick, psilate. Septa distinct, straight or
slightly curved, cells are bigger in size in meddle region.
Fig. 81. Diporicellaesporites pluricellus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Matanomadh Formation).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11-12, pl. 3, figs. 35-36,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297, pl. 2, figs. 22-
23, Miocene, Kerala; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111, Neogene, around
Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, mp.
128, pl. 2, fig. 23, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District,
Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 250, pl. 2, fig. 19, Geabdat
Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West Bengal; Varma
& Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Varma 1987, p. 167, pl.
1, fig. 3, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area
in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Tripathi 1995, p. 47, Palaeocene-
Eocene, subsurface sediments near Kapurdi, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Samant & Phadtare 1997, p. 66, pl. 15, fig. 7,
Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay
Basin, Gujarat; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 19, Kharsalia Clay
Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig. 2.4, Cambay Shale
(Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Tripathi et al. 2003, p.
90, Akli Formation (Late Palaeocene), Barmer Basin, Rajasthan;
Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong Sandstone (Late
Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills,
Assam.
40 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Diporicellaesporites prakashii Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106780.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000 [See: Quilonia prakashii (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporicellaesporites samantiae Saxena 2009
Fig. 82
MycoBank No.: MB 515005.
Diporicellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi 2000,
Gondwana Geological Magazine 15(2), p. 25–26, fig. 2.2, non
Martínez-Hernández & Tomasini-Ortiz 1989.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 25-26): Fungal spores
curved; four cellate; 52 x 13 m in size; diporate; pores small;
septa thick, without flap like structure; middle cells rectangular;
spore wall < 1 m thick; surface smooth.
Fig. 82. Diporicellaesporites samantiae. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 25-26, fig. 2.2,
Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Diporicellaesporites stacyi Elsik 1968
Fig. 83
MycoBank No.: MB 313249.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 279): Tetracellate, psilate, diporate
fungal spore 11 to 13 m wide and 23 to 31 m long. Wall ca.
0.5 m thick. Inner layer of wall turns inward to form one layer
of two layered septae. Septae almost twice as thick as wall.
Inner surface of cells granular to punctate. Pores with slit
margins due to compression; 2.5 to 4 m wide. Pore chambers
are slightly offset from outline of inner chambers.
Fig. 83. Diporicellaesporites stacyi. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Jain et al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, fig. 80, Barmer
Sandstone (Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11, pl. 3, fig. 34, Matanomadh
Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Mehrotra 1983, p. 17, pl. 3, fig. 17, Mikir Formation
(Palaeocene-Early Eocene), Garampani, North Cachar Hills,
Assam; Tripathi 1995, p. 47, Palaeocene-Eocene, subsurface
sediments near Kapurdi, Barmer District, Rajasthan; Kar et
al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam,
Mizoram.
Species: Diporicellaesporites verrucatus Singh et al. 1986
Fig. 84
MycoBank No.: MB 131930.
Description (Singh et al. 1986, p. 101): Fungal spore lanceolate
in shape, biconvex. Size 155 x 53 m. 12-celled, cells wider in
the middle and narrower at the ends. Diporate, pores apical,
11 m in diameter. Septa 2-4 m thick, dark, complete, thicker
than the spore wall. Spore wall 1 m thick, verrucose, verrucae
flat-topped, 5 m in size.
Fig. 84. Diporicellaesporites verrucatus. Bar = 50 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 41
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur road Section, Jaintia Hills District,
Meghalaya, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 101, pl. 2, fig. 10, Dona
Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam.
Species: Diporicellaesporites wilkinsonii Saxena & Misra
1990
MycoBank No.: MB 483360.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954a ex Clarke
1965 [See: Dyadosporites wilkinsonii (Saxena & Misra 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Diporisporites van der Hammen 1954a
MycoBank No.: MB 21084.
Type species: Diporisporites elongatus van der Hammen 1954a
(designated by van der Hammen 1954b, p. 14).
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 83): Fungal spores
“with two small pores” (vide Jansonius & Hills 1976, card
810)
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 277): Diporate fungal
spores of one cell. Pores on opposite ends of the grains.
Pores may be modified, i.e. with atrium, annulus or septum
forming pore chamber. Shape variable. Ornamentation variable.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Diporisporites anklesvarensis (Varma & Rawat
1963) Elsik 1968 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 313250.
Remarks: See: Foveodiporites anklesvarensis Varma &
Rawat 1963.
Species: Diporisporites barrelis Gupta 2002
Fig. 85
MycoBank No.: MB 540470.
Description(Gupta 2002, p. 130): Fungal spores one celled,
nonseptate, diporate, slightly curved, barrel shaped, 25 x 10 -
30 x 14 m; pores situated at opposite ends of longest axis,
simple; psilate, surface folded, wall <0.5 m thick.
Fig. 85. Diporisporites barrelis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 130, pl. 1, fig. 12, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Diporisporites bhavnagarensis Saxena 2009
Fig. 86
MycoBank No.: MB 515013.
Diporisporites granulatus Samant, Geophytology 28(1-2), p.
12, 14, pl. 1, fig. 10. 2000. (nom. inval.).
Description (Samant 2000, p. 12): Fungal spores diporate;
dark brown; elliptical to elongate; 55-62 x 30-35 m in size;
pore 3-4 m in diameter, slightly protruding, slightly rimmed
to thin margined; spore wall 0.5 to 1 m thick, distinctly
granulate.
Fig. 86. Diporisporites bhavnagarensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 12, 14, pl. 1, fig. 10, Kharsalia
Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Diporisporites conspicuus Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115062.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963 [See:
Foveodiporites conspicuus (Ramanujam & Rao 1978)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporisporites curvatus Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115063.
Remarks: Elsik (1990) transferred this species to
Hypoxylonites Elsik 1990 [See: Hypoxylonites curvatus
(Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Elsik 1990].
42 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Diporisporites elongatus van der Hammen 1954a
Fig. 87
MycoBank No.: MB 330110.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 103): (Fungal spores)
psilate, more or less dark (opaque?), with two distinct and
relatively large pores; 21.5 x 11.5 m.
Fig. 87. Diporisporites elongatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Eastern Cordilleras, Colombia.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11, pl. 3, figs. 31-32,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110, pl. 3, fig. 44, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984,
p. 248, pl. 1, figs. 5-6, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene),
Darjeeling District, West Bengal; Tripathi 1995, p. 47,
Palaeocene-Eocene, subsurface sediments near Kapurdi,
Barmer District, Rajasthan; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 8,
Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar,
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, Cambay
Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Tripathi et al.
2003, p. 90, Akli Formation (Late Palaeocene), Barmer Basin,
Rajasthan.
Species: Diporisporites elsikii Saxena 2000
Fig. 88
MycoBank No.: MB 519769.
Description (Saxena 2000, p. 159): Fungal spores spindle
shaped, brown in colour. Size range 64-72 x 45-51 m.
Unicellate, Diporate, pores apical 5-9 m in diameter.
Nonseptate. Wall 2.5 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 88. Diporisporites elsikii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Miocene (Sindhudurg Formation).
Indian records: Saxena 2000, p. 159, pl. 2, fig. 18, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Species: Diporisporites fusiformis Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106781.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Biporipsilonites fusiformis (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Diporisporites giganticus Kar 1990a (nom. inval.)
Fig. 89
MycoBank No.: MB 519770.
Description (Kar 1990a, p. 196): Spores oval, 101-130 x 52-65
m, diporate, pore distinct-indistinct, broad, spore wall
laevigate, irregularly folded.
Fig. 89. Diporisporites giganticus. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Tripura-Assam, North-east India.
Age: Miocene-Pliocene (Surma and Tipam groups).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 43
Indian records: Kar 1990a, p. 196, pl. 8, figs. 114-115, Surma
and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia
Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura.
Remarks: Kar (1990a) described the new species
“Diporisporites giganticus” but did not validly publish the
name, as he did not cite where the type is stored (McNeill et
al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Diporisporites granulatus Samant 2000 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 529671.
Remarks: Samant (2000) described the new species
“Diporisporites granulatus” but did not validly publish the
name as she did not state where the type is stored (McNeill et
al. 2006: Art. 37.7). The species was later validated by Saxena
(2009) by adding the holotype location, obtained from
personal communication with Dr. Bandana Samant. Samant’s
epithet “granulatus” could not be used because of the
existence of Diporisporites granulatus Ke & Shi 1978 and
therefore Saxena (2009) published it as a new species,
Diporisporites bhavnagarensis Saxena 2009.
Species: Diporisporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 313253.
Basionym: Psiladiporites gunniae Varma & Rawat, Grana
Palynologica 4(1), p. 132, fig. 6. 1963.
Remarks: See: Foveodiporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Species: Diporisporites hammenii Elsik 1968
Fig. 90
MycoBank No.: MB 313254.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 278): Elongate, diporate psilate
fungal spores 6 to 8 m wide and 11 to 14 m long. Wall 0.5 m
thick. Pores 0.5 m wide. Wall characteristically bulge out
parallel to long axis of the spore at the pores, forming a short
neck. Wall does not thicken at the pores.
Fig. 90. Diporisporites hammenii. Bar = 35 m.
Locality: 11 km. South-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1984, p. 187, pl. 2, fig. 28, Lower-
Upper Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal
Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Varma & Patil
1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Samant & Phadtare
1997, p. 67, pl. 15, fig. 8, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene),
Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Diporisporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 313255.
Punctodiporites harrisii Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 136, figs. 16-19. 1963.
Remarks: See: Foveodiporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Species: Diporisporites krempii (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Elsik 1968 (nom. inval.).
MycoBank No.: MB 313256.
Psilodiporites krempii Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 132, figs. 8-9. 1963.
Remarks: See: Biporipsilonites krempii (Varma & Rawat
1963) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Species: Diporisporites major Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 91
MycoBank No.: MB 106782.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52): Tube-shaped fungal
spore; size 62 x 25 m; unicellate, nonseptate; diporate, pores
on both ends, circular, 7 m in diameter, pore margin not
thickened; spore wall about 1 m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 91. Diporisporites major. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52, pl. 2, fig. 30, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
44 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Diporisporites piercei (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik
1968 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 313257.
Granodiporites piercei Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 135, fig. 14. 1963.
Remarks: See: Foveodiporites piercei (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Species: Diporisporites psilatus Kumar 1990
Fig. 92
MycoBank No.: MB 126555.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 18): Fungal spores unicellate,
elongate, fusiform and diporate. Size 19-40 x 10-22 m. Pore at
each end of the spore, simple, slightly sunken and ± 2 m
wide. Spore wall smooth, 1 m thick.
Fig. 92. Diporisporites psilatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 17-18, pl. 1, fig. 18, text-fig. 4,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Kar et al. 2010,
p. 242, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Diporisporites reticulatus (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Elsik 1968 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 313258.
Striadiporites reticulatus Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 137, fig. 21. 1963.
Remarks: See: Striadiporites reticulatus Varma & Rawat
1963.
Species: Diporisporites sirmaurensis Gupta 2002
Fig. 93
MycoBank No.: MB 540471.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 130): Fungal spores one celled,
nonseptate, porate, globose, ± subcircular, 11.6 x 9 m, pores
situated at opposite ends, simple; psilate, wall ca. 1 m thick.
Fig. 93. Diporisporites sirmaurensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 130, pl. 1, fig. 13, text-fig. 2b,
Subathu and Dagshai formations (Late Palaeocene to Early
Oligocene), Dadahu and Jamtah Road sections, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Diporisporites varias (Mathur 1966) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 94
MycoBank No.: MB 483325.
Scabradiporites varias Mathur, Quarterly Journal of the
Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India 38, p.
43, pl. 2, fig. 28. 1966.
Description (Mathur 1966, p. 43): Amb elliptical, 42 x 14 m in
size, diporate, pores elliptical, larger axis 4 m. Exine less than
1 m thick, scabrate, brown.
Fig. 94. Diporisporites varias. Bar = 5 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 45
Locality: Matanomadh, western Kutch, Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Supratrappeans).
Indian records: Mathur 1966, p. 43, pl. 2, fig. 28,
Supratrappeans (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, western Kutch,
Gujarat, India.
Genus: Diporopollis Dutta & Sah 1970 emend. Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 30408.
Type species: Diporopollis assamicus Dutta & Sah 1970.
Description (Dutta & Sah 1970, p. 45): Diporate; amb more or
less globular to sub-spheroidal; small to medium in size; pores
placed one over the other, circular in shape, and encircled by
one or more thickened rims; exine thin, surface sculpture
psilate to scabrate or finely granulate.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 90):
Small to medium sized, tri- to tetracellate conidia, of which the
distal cell is very much larger than the other cells. Although
the basic structure can be compared to that of
Brachysporisporites, here the distal cell is so inflated, that it
is spherical, or its width even larger than its length, commonly
causing the spores to be (proximo-distally) compressed in
the equatorial plane. This in turn causes the two or three
proximal-most cells to collapse into each other. Spore wall
thin to very thin, and prone to concentric folding, in the distal
cell; septa thin, with distinct rimmed pores, anchored by thick,
opaque septal bases, that in proximo-distal compression form
concentric rings. When the compression is somewhat oblique,
the proximal cells show that they are forming a short, more or
less tapering tube, the end of which has a small, imperceptible
pore, indicating that it is functionally a hilum.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Remarks: Dutta and Sah (1970), though proposed
Diporopollis as a pollen genus, compared it with fungal spore
genera, viz. Diporisporites van der Hammen (1954a, p. 103,
pl. 20), Diporites van der Hammen (1954, pl. 6). They also
differentiated this genus from pollen genera, viz.
Banksieaeidites Cookson (1950, p. 169, pl. 1, fig. 9) and
Graminidites Cookson (1947, p. 134, pl. 15, figs. 41-42).
Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000, p. 90) considered it as ‘Fungi
Imperfecti, Phragmosporae’.
Species: Diporopollis assamicus Dutta & Sah 1970
Fig. 95
MycoBank No.: MB 519812.
Description (Dutta & Sah 1970, p. 45): Size range 42-57 m;
holotype 43 m; amb globular to sub-spheroidal; 2-porate,
pores placed on either side, superimposed over one another,
circular in shape, encircled by pronounced annular
thickenings, usually two sometimes three in number; pore
apertures small, up to 1.5 m across, placed one below the
other so that one pore is distinct in high focus while the other
pore becomes clear only in low focus. Equatorial outline
originally globular but assuming various shapes owing to
rather thin exine; exine thin, surface sculpture psilate.
Fig. 95. Diporopollis assamicus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Umstew, South Shillong Plateau, Meghalaya, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Cherra Formation).
Indian records: Dutta & Sah 1970, p. 46, pl. 8, figs. 21-24,
Cherra Formation (Palaeocene), Umstew, Shillong Plateau,
Meghalaya; Kar et al. 1994, p. 186, Tertiary, subsurface
sediments in Upper Assam; Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Namchik River Section,
Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh; Kapoor et al. 2003,
p. 183, Dharmsala and Siwalik (Oligocene-Neogene),
Dharmsala and Nurpur areas, Kangra District, Himachal
Pradesh.
Remarks: Dutta and Sah (1970) mentioned that “pollen grains
of Diporopollis assamicus are not comparable to any of the
fossil species known so far. Although the present pollen
grains from Assam show striking resemblance to pollen within
the family Gramineae, their affinity with the family Gramineae
remains questionable owing to number, position and nature
of the apertures”.
Genus: Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965
MycoBank No.: MB 483335.
Dyadosporonites Elsik 1968.
Psidimobipiospora Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin
1980.
Type species: Dyadosporites ellipsus Clarke 1965 (by
monotypy).
Description (van der Hammen 1954b, p. 15): Fungal spores
“two spores (cellules) united.”
46 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Restated Description (Clarke 1965, p. 90): Fungal spores
bilocular (didymosporous), elliptical, central septum simple,
cell wall psilate to finely punctate, pore at apex of each cell.
(vide Jansonius & Hills 1976, card 882)
Description (here emended): Fungal spores of various shapes,
dicellate, uniseptate. Diporate, with a single pore at each end
of the spore. Spore wall psilate to variously sculptured.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Remarks: Dyadosporites was established by van der
Hammen (1954, p. 15) with D. umeriensis as its type. The
diagnosis for D. umeriensis has never been published and
therefore the publication of genus was not valid. Clarke (1965,
p. 90) considered Dyadosporites as validly published and
described under it a single species D. ellipsus. Clarke (1965)
also provided a restated diagnosis for Dyadosporites. The
genus Dyadosporites is therefore considered here as being
validly published by Clarke (1965) by the principle of
monotypy (ICBN Art. 42, McNeill 2006). Elsik (1968) did not
consider Dyadosporites as validly published and proposed
another genus Dyadosporonites with the following diagnosis
“Diporate, uniseptate fungal spores. Shape and ornamentation
variable. Single pore at each end of the spore. Pore may be
modified, i.e. atrium, annulus or pore chamber formed by thin
septum across end of spore.” Since Dyadosporites and
Dyadosporonites completely overlap each other the latter is
considered here the junior synonym of the former.
Species: Dyadosporites bhardwaji (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 96
MycoBank No.: MB 483331.
Psilodiporites bhardwaji Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 133, fig. 10. 1963.
Dyadosporonites bhardwaji (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik,
Pollen Spores 10(2), p. 278. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 133): Grains 2-porate,
isopolar, bilateral, somewhat barrel-shaped (about 40 x 61 x 40
m), slightly constricted in the middle, dark brown. Pores at
the lateral ends, circular (about 7.1 m). The sexine forms a
hemispherical to cone-like structure around the pore areas. It
is provided with a circular outer opening communicating with
the inner part of the aperture. Exine psilate, about 1 m thick,
consisting of sexine and nexine. In the middle of the grain is a
septum traversing the whole width of the grain. It shows two
triangular flanges, generally directed towards one of the sides
of the grain (perhaps due to greater pressure in one direction
during preservation). The bases of the flanges are
approximately of the same size. They meet near the middle
septum, as can be seen in pollen grains in lateral view. These
triangular outgrowths may or may not be always equal and
similar in shape. Numerous irregular folds are present on the
general body of the grain.
Fig. 96. Dyadosporites bhardwaji. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Age: Eocene-Miocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 133, fig. 10, Eocene-
Miocene, western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Species: Dyadosporites cannanorensis (Ramanujam & Rao
1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 97
MycoBank No.: MB 483332.
Dyadosporonites cannanorensis Ramanujam & Rao in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
295-296, pl. 1, fig. 13. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295-296): Spores
dicellate, diporate, darkish brown, 25-35 x 10-13 m, ellipsoidal
to faintly fusiform, slightly asymmetrical. A prominent pore at
each end of spore slightly off its long axis. Pore 2-4 m in
diam., pouting, margins thickened, atrium present. Transverse
septum up to 2 m thick, two layered. Spore wall two-layered,
1-1.5 m thick, surface psilate.
Fig. 97. Dyadosporites cannanorensis. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 47
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295-296, pl. 1, fig.
13, Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna
Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin,
Tamil Nadu.
Species: Dyadosporites denticulatus (Ramanujam & Rao
1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 98
MycoBank No.: MB 483334.
Dyadosporonites denticulatus Ramanujam & Rao in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
296, pl. 1, fig. 14. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296):
Spores dicellate, diporate, melanin-coloured, fusiform to barrel-
shaped, 38-45 x 20-28 m. A conspicuous pore at each end of
the spore along its long axis, pores 3-5 m in diam., with
prominent annulus up to 3 m thick. Transverse septum with
conspicuous, usually two, denticulate or wedge-shaped
thickenings on one side. Spore wall thin, less than 1 m, folded
irregularly, surface psilate.
Fig. 98. Dyadosporites denticulatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296, pl. 1, fig. 14,
Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 249, pl. 1, fig. 12,
Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay
mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Dyadosporites dubius Kumar 1990
Fig. 99
MycoBank No.: MB 126556.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 22): Fungal spores diporate,
dicellate and broadly oval or bracket-shaped (outline). Size
15-18 x 12-13 m. Pores 4-6 m wide, simple, one at either end.
Spore wall ± 1.6 m thick, smooth, gradually thinning outwards
the pore. Septum ± 2 m thick, opaque.
Fig. 99. Dyadosporites dubius. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 22, pl. 1, fig. 19, text-fig. 13,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Dyadosporites ellipsus Clarke 1965
Fig. 100
MycoBank No.: MB 330252.
Description (Clarke 1965, p. 90): Fungal spores bilocular
(didymosporous), elliptical, apical pores circular, 4-5 m
diameter, central septum simple, 2-3 m thick, cell wall psilate
to finely punctate, 1-2 m thick, overall dimensions 23-27 x
38-55 m.
Fig. 100. Dyadosporites ellipsus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Canon City Coalfield, Fremont County, Colorado,
U.S.A.
Age: Late Cretaceous.
48 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Dyadosporites grandiporus (Singh et al. 1986)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 101
MycoBank No.: MB 483339.
Dyadosporonites grandiporus Singh et al., Palaeobotanist
35(1), p. 100, pl. 2, fig. 6. 1986.
Description (Singh et al. 1986, p. 100): Fungal spores
cylindrical in shape. Size range 95 x 34 m. Dicellate, both
cells equal in size and shape. Diporate, pore 14-16 m in
diameter, pore margin very much thickened. Uniseptate, septa
2 m thick, complete. Spore wall less than 1 m thick, laevigate,
slightly folded.
Fig. 101. Dyadosporites grandiporus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills
District, Meghalaya, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 100, pl. 2, figs. 6, 22, Dona
Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam.
Species: Dyadosporites novus Kumar 1990
Fig. 102
MycoBank No.: MB 126557.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 21): Fungal spores dicellate and
diporate. Size 28-32 x 13-16 m. Cells fusiform and gradually
taper towards ends. Apical pore 0.5 m and simple. Septum 2-
3 m thick, wedge-shaped or denticulate with a central pore,
dark and opaque. Spore wall 1.6 m thick, smooth, slightly
constricted at septal region and showing a brief collar at one
end (probably basal end) of the spore.
Fig. 102. Dyadosporites novus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 21, pl. 1, fig. 16, text-fig. 12,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Dyadosporites reticulatus (Ramanujam & Rao
1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 103
MycoBank No.: MB 483346.
Dyadosporonites reticulatus Ramanujam & Rao in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
295, pl. 1, fig. 12. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295): Spores dicellate,
diporate, melanin-coloured, more or less barrel-shaped, 22-30
x 8-15 m. A single pore at each flattened or truncate end of
spore along its long axis. Pore simple, up to 3.5 m in diameter.
Spore wall less than 1 m thick, transverse septum slightly
thicker; surface reticulate; muri of low height, meshes
polygonal, lumina irregular, smooth.
Locality: Kannur, Kerala, India.
Fig. 103. Dyadosporites reticulatus. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 49
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, fig. 12,
Quilon and Warkalli beds (Miocene), Kerala; Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980, p. 126, pl. 2, fig. 18, Warkalli Beds (Miocene),
Kannur District, Kerala; Misra et al. 1996, p. 95, Baghmara
Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section along
Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Species: Dyadosporites sahnii (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 104
MycoBank No.: MB 483347.
Granodiporites sahnii Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 136, fig. 15. 1963.
Dyadosporites sahnii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik, Pollen
Spores 10(2), p. 278. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 136): Grain 2-porate,
bilateral, iso- to paraisopolar, somewhat barrel shaped (21 x
30 x 21 m), with constrictions in the middle where a septum
runs entire width of the grain. Ledges on both sides of the
median line of the septum are presumably due to the obliquely
pressed septum wall of the septum. Pores at each end of the
longest axis of the grain presumably circular (about 8.6 m).
Pore area covered by a dome shaped sexinous fragile
membrane, opening irregularly or by a central pore. Exine
granulate (1st order), less than 1.4 m thick.
Fig. 104. Dyadosporites sahnii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Age: Eocene-Miocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 136, fig. 15, Eocene-
Miocene, western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Species: Dyadosporites scabratus (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 105
MycoBank No.: MB 483348.
Psidimobipiospora scabratus Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 63, p. 22, pl. 1, fig. 10. 1990.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 22): Fungal spores cylindrical,
dicellate and diporate. Size range 35-45 x 13-16 m. Cells
rectangular in shape, each cell 19 x 13-14 m, ± equal in size
with a pore at free end. Pore 4-6 m wide, simple and slightly
sunken. Septum ± 3 m thick, opaque and simple. Spore wall
± 2 m thick, thinner around pore, surface smooth to finely
scabrate or echinate, slightly constricted at septal region.
Fig. 105. Dyadosporites scabratus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 22, pl. 1, fig. 10, text-fig. 14,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Dyadosporites schwabii (Elsik 1968) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 106
MycoBank No.: MB 126573.
Dyadosporonites schwabii Elsik, Pollen Spores 10(2), p. 279,
pl. 2, fig. 30. 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 279): Fusiform, slightly
asymmetrical, psilate, dicellate, diporate fungal spore; 9 x 20
m. Pores about 1 m wide, bulge out slightly, located
somewhat off the long axis of the grain. Spore wall very thin,
two layered. Inner wall turns in at junction of two cells to form
two layered septum. Septum about 0.5 m thick.
50 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 106. Dyadosporites schwabii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111, pl. 2, fig. 35, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984,
p. 249, pl. 1, fig. 11, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling
District, West Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 62, pl. 1, fig. 10, Late Tertiary, Site
218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean.
Species: Dyadosporites udarii (Gupta 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 107
MycoBank No.: MB 483351.
Dyadosporonites constrictus Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(1), p. 33,
pl. 3, figs. 54-55. 1979, non Mathur & Mathur 1969.
Dyadosporonites udarii Gupta, Geophytology 14(2), p. 248.
1984.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 33): Spore diporate, 65-89 x 31-39
m, uniseptate. Pores distinct, circular, margin thickened,
spore coat laevigate, generally constricted in middle.
Fig. 107. Dyadosporites udarii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Barkhana nala cutting, Sarangwara, Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Oligocene (Maniyara Fort Formation).
Indian records: Kar 1979, p. 33, pl. 3, figs. 54-55, Maniyara
Fort Formation (Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near
Sarangwara, Kutch District, Gujarat; Kar & Saxena 1981, p.
106, Middle-Late Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Kar 1985, p. 130, Eocene, bore core no. 27
near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Mandaokar 2002a, p.
116, Dulte Formation (Early Miocene), 2 km from Dulte village
on Dulte-Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Species: Dyadosporites verrucatus (Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 108
MycoBank No.: MB 483352.
Dyadosporonites verrucatus Ramanujam & Srisailam,
Botanique 9(1-4), p. 126-127, pl. 2, fig. 19. 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 126): Spores
brown to light brown, dicellate, oblong, 22.1-25.5 x 8.0-9.5 m,
one conspicuous pore at each truncate end, pore up to 4 m
in diameter, transverse septum prominent, in the form of dark
band, spore wall 1.7 m thick, slightly constricted at the
septum, surface densely studded with verrucae; verrucae of
low height, locally fusing to form sinuous ridges.
Fig. 108. Dyadosporites verrucatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Palayangadi, Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 126, pl. 2, fig.
19, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala.
Species: Dyadosporites wilkinsonii (Saxena & Misra 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 109
MycoBank No.: MB 483353.
Diporicellaesporites wilkinsonii Saxena & Misra,
Palaeobotanist 38, p. 272, pl. 3, fig. 13. 1990.
Description (Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 272): Fungal spores
capsular in shape, size range 98-126 x 36-40 m; tetracellate,
middle septum complete, 2.5-3 m thick, whereas other two
septa incomplete, not covering full width of spore; diporate,
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 51
pores apical, situated on protuberances, sometimes slightly
offset; wall up to 1 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 109. Dyadosporites wilkinsonii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Miocene (Sindhudurg Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 272, pl. 3, fig. 13,
Sindhudurg Formation (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Genus: Dyadosporonites Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21092.
Type species: Dyadosporonites schwabii Elsik 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 278): Diporate, uniseptate fungal
spores. Shape and ornamentation variable. Single pore at each
end of the spore. Pore may be modified, i.e., atrium, annulus
or pore chamber formed by thin septum across end of spore.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Remarks: Dyadosporonites Elsik 1968 is a junior synonym
of Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke 1965
Species: Dyadosporonites cannanorensis Ramanujam & Rao
1978
MycoBank No.: MB 124439.
Remarks: Since Dyadosporonites Elsik (1968) is a junior
synonym of Dyadosporites Van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965, Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species
to Dyadosporites [See: Dyadosporites cannanorensis
(Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites constrictus Mathur & Mathur
1969
MycoBank No.:MB 483857.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Hilidicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Hilidicellites constrictus (Mathur & Mathur 1969) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites constrictus Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 112282.
Dyadosporonites udarii Gupta 1984 (= nom. nov. pro
Dyadosporonites constrictus Kar, non Dyadosporonites
constrictus Mathur & Mathur 1969.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965 [See: Dyadosporites udarii (Gupta 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites denticulatus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115064.
Remarks: Since Dyadosporonites Elsik (1968) is a junior
synonym of Dyadosporites Van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965, Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species
to Dyadosporites [See: Dyadosporites denticulatus
(Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites grandiporus Singh et al. 1986
MycoBank No.: MB 131931.
Remarks: Since Dyadosporonites Elsik 1968 is a junior
synonym of Dyadosporites Van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965, Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species
to Dyadosporites [See: Dyadosporites grandiporus (Singh
et al. 1986) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites inaequalis Varma & Patil 1985
MycoBank No.: MB 133494.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Dyadosporonites inaequalis Varma & Patil 1985 to
Dicellaesporites Elsik (1968) [See: Dicellaesporites
inaequalis (Varma & Patil 1985) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites reticulatus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115065.
Remarks: Since Dyadosporonites Elsik (1968) is a junior
synonym of Dyadosporites Van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965, Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species
to Dyadosporites [See: Dyadosporites reticulatus
(Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites schwabii Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 313436.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Dyadosporonites schwabii Elsik 1968 to Dyadosporites Van
der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke 1965 [See: Dyadosporites
schwabii (Elsik 1968) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites udarii Gupta 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 483858.
Dyadosporonites constrictus Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(1), p. 33,
pl. 3, figs. 54-55. 1979, non Mathur & Mathur 1969.
52 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Dyadosporonites udarii Gupta 1984 to Dyadosporites Van
der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke 1965 [See: Dyadosporites udarii
(Gupta 1984) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Dyadosporonites verrucatus Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 108852.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Dyadosporonites verrucatus Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980 to
Dyadosporites Van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke 1965 [See:
Dyadosporites verrucatus (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
E
Genus: Elsikisporonites Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 25441.
Type species: Elsikisporonites tubulatus Kumar 1990.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 18): Fungal spores monoporate,
nonseptate, tubular and coiled. Pore at outer end, nozzle-like.
Spore wall smooth and hyaline.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Elsikisporonites tubulatus Kumar 1990
Fig. 110
MycoBank No.: MB 126558.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 18): Fungal spores monoporate,
nonseptate, tubular in shape and coiled. Cell broadest in the
middle region, 10-12 m wide, gradually tapering towards the
ends. Pore at free outer end, small, nozzle-like, 1.5 m wide.
Spore wall 1 m thick, smooth, slightly folded, hyaline.
Fig. 110. Elsikisporonites tubulatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 18, pl. 1, figs. 7-8, text-fig. 5,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Genus: Epicoccum Link 1815
MycoBank No.: MB 8188.
Type species: Epicoccum nigrum Link 1815.
Classification: Ascomycetes.
Species: Epicoccum deccanense Srivastava et al. 2009
Fig. 111
MycoBank No.: MB 561524.
Description (Srivastava et al. 2009, p. 16): Fungal spores/
conidia are profusely found endogenously in the vessels of
the fossil wood. Very fine mycelium is also seen at places but
it is broken, ill preserved and difficult to reveal structural
details. Hyphae septate, frequently branched, fine, 3-5 m in
diameter. In ground section they often appear flat and ribbon-
like, but twists in the hyphae at places create the superficial
appearance of change in diameter. Hyphal branches are
sometimes narrower than the parent filament. Short
conidiophores originate from hyphae in the form of clusters,
conidiophores give rise to conidia. Conidia (spores) are dark
coloured, circular, found as single grained or mostly in
clusters, small, 10-30 m in diameter, young conidia are round,
smooth and without septation while mature conidia are
multicellular (dictyoconidia), and have a funnel-shaped base
and attachment scar that is formed from aggregated
conidiophores on sporodochium. Conidial walls rough,
verrucose to warty with dark pigmentation. Thinning and
degradation of cell walls of fibres and ray cells seen at places.
Fig. 111. Epicoccum deccanense. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jhargad, near Jhadgaon village, Yavatmal District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Late Maastrichtian-Danian (Deccan Intertrappean Beds).
Indian records: Srivastava et al. 2009, p. 16, pl. 1, figs. 1-6, pl.
2, figs. 1-7, Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Late Maastrichtian-
Danian), Jhargad, near Jhadgaon village, Yavatmal District,
Maharashtra, India.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 53
Genus: Euthythyrites Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 21098.
Type species: Euthythyrites oleinites Cookson 1947.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 210): Mycelium superficial;
ascomata linear, radiate. Characters of spores unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Euthythyrites bifidus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 112
MycoBank No.: MB 542245.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Ascostromate, 51–60 x
30–45m, dimidiate, nonostiolate, dark brown, generally one
celled thick, darker in central region, hyphae radially arranged,
anastomose to form square–rectangular
pseudoparenchymatous cells, branches semicircular at ends,
generally divided into two, sometimes an incipient third also
visible, mycelia absent.
Fig. 112. Euthythyrites bifidus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 8, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Euthythyrites keralensis Ramanujam & Rao 1973
Fig. 113
MycoBank No.: MB 314011.
Thyriothecium Type-3 in Ramanujam, Current Science 32, p.
328, fig. 3. 1963a.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 207): Mycelium
superficial, ascomata linear, elliptical to oblong, ends rounded
or flattened, lateral margins uneven. Ascomata 125-350 m x
60-100 m, dehiscing by a longitudinal slit (7-13 m broad);
cells radiating from mid-vertical line, square to rectangular,
2.5-8 m x 2.5-3.75 m, thick-walled, brownish to dark-brown.
Mycelial hyphae radiating mostly from lateral marginal cells,
usually flexuous, 2.5-3.75 m thick, hyphopodiate,
hyphopodia small, peg-like.
Fig. 113. Euthythyrites keralensis. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Upper Miocene (Warkalli lignite).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 207, pl. 1, figs. 10-
11, pl. 2, figs. 12-14, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala,
Kerala; Phadtare & Kulkarni 1980, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 3, Ratnagiri
Beds (Miocene), Ratnagiri-Pawas Road near Third
Dharamshala stop, 10 km south of Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri District,
Maharashtra.
Species: Euthythyrites morenoinitis Selkirk 1975
Fig. 114
MycoBank No.: MB 314012.
Description (Selkirk 1975, p. 76): Free mycelium sparse.
Hyphae straight, branched, without hyphopodia, arising from
marginal cells of the fructification. Fructifications linear when
mature, dehiscing by a longitudinal slit. Wall of fructification
composed of radiating, dichotomously branched hyphae;
cells square to rectangular, 1.5-6.5 m long and 1-3.5 m wide,
walls 0.5 m thick. Spores two celled, smooth, almost
colourless.
Fig. 114. Euthythyrites morenoinitis. Bar = 30 m.
54 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Kiandra, New South Wales, Australia.
Age: Early Miocene.
Indian records: Reddy et al. 1982, p. 117, pl. 2, figs. 2-4, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Varma 1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 7, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Patil & Ramanujam 1988,
p. 264, pl. 2, fig. 7, Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala.
Genus: Exesisporites Elsik 1969
MycoBank No.: MB 21100.
Type species: Exesisporites neogenicus Elsik 1969.
Description (Elsik 1969, p. 516): Unicellular, aseptate, psilate,
monoporate fungal spores of circular outline with lenticular
to spherical? shape. The centrally located pore in most
specimens is surrounded by a dark circular patch which is
interpreted as a thickened wall. This polar area is occasionally
found free of the spore.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Exesisporites neogenicus Elsik 1969
Fig. 115
MycoBank No.: MB 107966.
Description (Elsik 1969, p. 517): Monoporate, unicellular,
psilate fungal spores 15-20 m in diameter. Wall thickness ca.
0.5 m. Circular outline, oriented in polar view. Apparently
lenticular in cross section as the pore (hilum?) is nearly always
oriented in the centre of the spore. A somewhat thickened
polar area around the minute pore is evidenced by darker
colouration and tendency of the polar area to break free in
heavily oxidized or degraded specimens. This polar thickening
is not evident in the darker coloured specimens. The circular
outline may be modified by folding in the polar area.
Monolinear and Y-shaped folds across the polar area are also
encountered.
Fig. 115. Exesisporites neogenicus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Northern Gulf of Mexico.
Age: Miocene-Pleistocene.
Indian records: Bera & Banerjee 1995, p. 150, Bengal lignite
(Middle-Late Eocene), Panagarh-Domra Sector, Burdwan
District, West Bengal; Gupta 2002, p. 128, pl. 1. fig. 6, Subathu
Formation (Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene), Dadahu and
Jamtah Road sections, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh;
Mandaokar 2002c, p. 79, Keifang Formation (Early Miocene),
eastern flank of Aizawl Hills, Mizoram.
Species: Exesisporites psilatus Saxena 2000
Fig. 116
MycoBank No.: MB 519806.
Description (Saxena 2000, p. 159): Fungal spores subcircular.
Size range 50-82 x 50-71 m. Unicellate. Monoporate, pore
circular, 5-8 m in diameter, centrally placed, pore margin
thickened. Wall 2.5 - 5.5 m thick, psilate, folded.
Fig. 116. Exesisporites psilatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Miocene (Sindhudurg Formation).
Indian records: Saxena 2000, p. 159, pl. 1, fig. 20, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Species: Exesisporites verrucatus Kumar 1990
Fig. 117
MycoBank No.: MB 126559.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 15): Fungal spores lenticular in
shape and unicellate. Size 25-27 x 28-30 m. Monoporate, pore
± 1 m in diameter surrounded by ± 1.6 m thick, diffuse
margin. Spore wall two layered ± 2 m thick, outer layer forming
16-18 hyaline, hollow, rounded verrucae-like sculptures at
peripheral margin of spore, measuring 2 - 2.5 m high and 1.6
- 2.5 m broad at base, rather evenly placed, imparting
angularity to the ambitus.
Fig. 117. Exesisporites verrucatus. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 55
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 4, text-fig. 2,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Mandaokar
2004, p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene),
Champhai area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram.
F
Genus: Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 21105.
Type species: Foveodiporites anklesvarensis Varma & Rawat
1963.
Punctodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963.
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 133): Pollen grains
diporate. Exine
foveolate.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 112):
Monocellate diporate fungal spores of mostly medium (ca 15-
60 m) size; overall shape fusiform to elliptic, but
characteristically somewhat lob-sided, with one side of the
outline more convex than the other; spore wall relatively thin,
externally essentially smooth, internally smooth, or with
punctate, granulate, foveolate or similar sculpture; pores
terminal, complex, consisting of a thin collar and separated
from the spore interior by one or two septa (the latter forming
a pore chamber); pore regions often with darker pigmentation.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Although originally described as pollen, these
forms are now generally recognized as fungal spores.
Punctodiporites is a junior synonym of Foveodiporites as
emended by Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000).
Species: Foveodiporites anklesvarensis Varma & Rawat
1963
Fig. 118
MycoBank No.: MB 105891.
Diporisporites anklesvarensis (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik,
Pollen Spores 10(2), p. 263. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 133): Pollen grains 2-
porate, bilateral, isopolar, somewhat elongated (usually 27 x
67 x 30 m). Pores at the lateral ends about 8.6 m in diameter
at the base, elevated from the general body by a collar about
4.3 m high. Pore opening small, about 2.9 m in diameter.
General surface of the grain often slightly (irregularly) folded.
Exine foveolate, less than 1.4 m thick.
Fig. 118. Foveodiporites anklesvarensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Age: Early-Middle Eocene, Late Eocene-Oligocene, Early
Miocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 133, fig. 11, Early-
Middle Eocene, Late Eocene-Oligocene, Early Miocene,
Western and eastern India, including oil exploration areas in
West Bengal and Assam; Venkatachala & Rawat 1973, p. 258,
pl. 1, fig. 8, Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu;
Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11, pl. 3, fig. 33, Matanomadh Formation
(Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat; Jain &
Kar 1979, p. 111, pl. 3, figs. 42-43, Neogene, around Kollam
and Varkala, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Varma 1987, 167, pl. 1, fig. 2, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Kar 1990b, p. 232,
Disang Formation (Palaeocene-Eocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam; Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road near
Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya.
Species: Foveodiporites conspicuus (Ramanujam & Rao
1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 119
MycoBank No.: MB 483364.
Diporisporites conspicuus Ramanujam & Rao, in Bharadwaj,
D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th International
Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77, Volume 1, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p. 295, pl. 1, fig. 7.
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295): Spores diporate,
light brown, elliptical, 58.5 x 37.5 m. A single conspicuous
pore at each end of the spore along its vertical axis, pores
with thickened margins and distinct atria, 2.5-4 m in diameter.
Spore wall thin, less than 1 m, variously folded, surface
psilate.
56 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 119. Foveodiporites conspicuus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 295, pl. 1, fig. 7,
Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Mallesham
et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 6, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin,
Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu.
Species: Foveodiporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 120
MycoBank No.: MB 483369.
Psilodiporites gunniae Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 132, fig. 6. 1963.
Diporisporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik, Pollen
Spores 10(2), p. 277. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 132): Pollen grains 2-
porate, isopolar, bilateral (21.5 x 40 x 21.5 m). Pores projecting
at both ends of the longest axis of the grains, circular (about
7.1 m in diameter), with an outer opening (diameter about 4.3
m) elevated by a collar about 1.5-2 m high (the collar of the
left, i.e. the smaller, pore, shows some darker areas towards
the lumen of the grains; these do not, however, seem to
indicate a morphological feature). A few folds may be present
on the thin-walled body of the grain. Exine psilate, less than
1.4 m thick.
Fig. 120. Foveodiporites gunniae. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Age: Middle-Late Eocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 132, fig. 6, Middle-
Late Eocene, western and eastern India, including oil
exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Species: Foveodiporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 121
MycoBank No.: MB 483370]
Punctodiporites harrisii Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 136, fig. 16. 1963.
Diporisporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik, Pollen
Spores 10(2), p. 277. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 136): Pollen grains 2-
porate, bilateral, isopolar, elongated, with narrowly ending
lateral sides (21-36 x 42-72 x 21-36 m), generally 28.5 x 57 x
28.5 m. Pores 4-8.6 m in diameter, at each end of the long
axis. Pore (outer) opening presumably circular (diameter 2.9-5
m), elevated by a collar about 2.9-8.6 m high (usually 5-6
m). Occasionally there are two unequal thickenings on the
basal part of the collar leaving a slit-like space traversing the
centre of the collar (16a-b). A thin sexinous extension above
the pore opening is sometimes present but in most cases it
breaks irregularly. General body of the grain usually fragile,
provided with irregular folds. Exine punctate, less than 1.4 m
thick. Sexine and nexine indistinguishable.
Fig. 121. Foveodiporites harrisii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Age: Early Eocene-Early Oligocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, fig. 16, Early Eocene-
Early Oligocene, Western and eastern India, including oil
exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam; Venkatachala
& Rawat 1972, p. 327-328, pl. 5, fig. 19, Palaeocene-Eocene,
Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Foveodiporites piercei (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 57
Fig. 122
MycoBank No.: MB 483372.
Granodiporites piercei Varma & Rawat, Grana Palynologica
4(1), p. 135, fig. 14. 1963.
Diporisporites piercei (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik, Pollen
Spores 10(2), p. 277. 1968. (nom. inval.).
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 135): Pollen grains 2-
porate, bilateral, isopolar, somewhat barrel-shaped (36 x 51 x
36 m). Pores slightly bulging, provided with a thickened
collar. Pore opening presumably circular, about 11.5 m in
diameter. Exine granulate (first order), about 1 m thick. Sexine
and nexine distinguished with difficulty.
Fig. 122. Foveodiporites piercei. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Age: Middle-Late Eocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 135, fig. 14, Middle-
Late Eocene, western and eastern India, including oil
exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam; Venkatachala
& Rawat 1973, p. 258, pl. 1, fig. 7, Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery
Basin, Tamil Nadu; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 9, Kharsalia
Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Genus: Foveoletisporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21102.
Type species: Foveoletisporonites miocenicus Ramanujam
& Rao 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores simple,
light to dark brown, multicellate, inaperturate. Spore wall two-
layered, inner layer forming transverse septa, surface
conspicuously foveolate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Foveoletisporonites indicus Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
Fig. 123
MycoBank No.: MB 108883.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980. p. 123-124): Spores
elongated, light to dark brown, 5-septate, 68-74.8 x 15-20 m,
slightly constricted at central part, central two cells large,
elongated, 20.4 x 17 m, end cells small relatively, 10.2 x 5.1
m, cells in between of medium size, 17 x 10.2 m, septa thick,
conspicuous, spore wall 1.7 m thick, no vertical septa in
terminal cells, surface conspicuously foveolate, foveolae
irregularly aligned, larger, 2.5 m in diam. in central cells,
slightly smaller in the end cells.
Fig. 123. Foveoletisporonites indicus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Palayangadi and Cheruvattur (southern side of
Karingottu River), Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 123-124, pl.
1, fig. 11, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Rao 1995, p. 233, pl. 1, fig. 5, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur
districts, Kerala; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Species: Foveoletisporonites keralensis sp. nov.
Fig. 124
MycoBank No.: MB 519940.
Diporicellaesporites sp. B in Jain & Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(2),
p. 111, pl. 3, fig. 49. 1979.
Description: Spore nine celled, 76-84 x 21-25 m in size; septa
distinct, thickened, straight. Inaperturate. Spore wall less than
1 m thick, foveolate, foveolae appear as white specks in
surface view.
58 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 124. Foveoletisporonites keralensis. Bar = 30 m.
Holotype: Jain & Kar 1979, pl. 3, figs. 49; slide no. 5423/1,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111, pl. 3, fig. 49, Miocene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala.
Species: Foveoletisporonites miocenicus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 125
MycoBank No.: MB 115066.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores
multiseptate, 100-120 m long, 18-25 m broad, transverse
septa up to ten, apical cell deltoid with one or two vertical
septa. Spore wall conspicuously foveolate, foveolae 1.5 to
3.5 m in diameter, aligned in two or three horizontal rows in
each cell.
Fig. 125. Foveoletisporonites miocenicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Varkala, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299, pl. 3, fig. 36,
Miocene, Kerala; Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 124, pl. 1,
fig. 12, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Rao
1995, p. 233, pl. 1, fig. 11, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur
districts, Kerala; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Genus: Frasnacritetrus Taugourdeau 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 519771.
Type species: Frasnacritetrus josettae Taugourdeau 1968.
Description (Taugourdeau 1968, p. 3): Organic-walled
microorganism, generally of cylindrical shape tending to a
rounded slightly bell-shaped parallelepiped, in transversal
section nearly circular at one pole, becoming rectangular with
rounded corner at the opposite pole which carries four hollow
horns (or “processes”) that extend the ribs of the body.
Emended Description (Saxena & Sarkar 1986, p. 212): (Emended
diagnosis): Microfossils having two to four processes. Body
subrectangular, unicellular or divided into chambers by septa,
smooth or variously sculptured. Processes mostly smooth
but may also be sculptured, unicellular or septate. (Emended
description): Main body of the microfossils generally
rectangular-subrectangular but variously shaped; either
unicellular or divided into longitudinal chambers by vertical
septa or multichambered, being divided by both vertical and
transverse septa; septa may be complete or incomplete,
sometimes septa faintly developed; body either smooth or
ornamented with grana, verrucae or coni, etc., sculpturing
elements may be closely or sparsely or evenly distributed.
Two to four processes arising from one end of the body
(although in Frasnacritetrus sp. 4, three processes are
attached at the end of the body while the fourth one comes
out from the middle of the body); generally broader at the
base and tapering towards the apices; cylindrical or ribbon-
like; either aseptate-unicellular or septate, septa one to many
in each process; apex of processes pointed or blunt.
Frasnacritetrus is not comparable to any of the known fossil
palynogenera.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Staurosporae.
Species: Frasnacritetrus conatus Saxena & Sarkar 1986
Fig. 126
MycoBank No.: MB 519773.
Description (Saxena & Sarkar 1986, p. 215-216): Fungal conidia
with four processes. Main body rectangular in shape, dark
brown in colour, unicellular, surface closely beset with small
sized coni. Processes arise from one end of the body, tubular,
wider at the base and gradually taper towards the apices,
nonseptate; wall of processes smooth.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 59
Fig. 126. Frasnacritetrus conatus. Bar = 10 m.
Dimensions: Length of the conidia: 98 m; size of the body:
25-38 x 18-20 m; size of the processes: 62-84 x 2-6 m.
Locality: Nalagarh-Ramshahr Road Section, Solan District,
Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Middle-Upper Miocene (Lower Siwalik).
Indian records: Saxena & Sarkar 1986, p. 215-216, pl. 1, figs. 4-
5, text-fig. 3, Kasauli Formation and Lower Siwalik (Miocene),
near Banethi, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh, and
Nalagarh-Ramshahr Road Section, Solan District, Himachal
Pradesh; Sarkar 1997, p. 102, 104, 108, Subathu Formation
(Eocene), 20 km south-east of Bilaspur on Shimla-Bilaspur
Highway, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena 2000,
p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena & Ranhotra 2009,
p. 692, fig. 3.18, Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km
west of Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch
District, Gujarat.
Species: Frasnacritetrus indicus Saxena & Khare 1992
Fig. 127
MycoBank No.: MB 483898.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 42): Fungal conidia
with four processes. Main body rectangular to oval, 23-28 x
13-17 m, multicellular, being divided by longitudinal and
transverse ridges/furrows, spore wall up to 1 m thick, conate,
coni uniformly distributed. Processes septate, 35-117 m long
and 3-4.5 m wide, number of septa in each process 2-5, psilate.
Fig. 127. Frasnacritetrus indicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jayamkondacholapuram well-12 (depth 128.0 m),
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Eocene (Neyveli Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 42, pl. 1, fig. 17, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Saxena & Ranhotra 2009,
p. 692, fig. 3.23, Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km
west of Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch
District, Gujarat.
Species: Frasnacritetrus jamtahensis Gupta 2002
Fig. 128
MycoBank No.: MB 540509.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 148): Conidia with 4 processes,
main body multicellular containing longitudinal as well as
transverse septa, subverrucose, processes psilate to
ornamented, aseptate or septate, fully developed or reduced.
(Dimensions: Conidia 41-101 m long, body 26-33 x 9-17 m,
processes 1.5-3 m broad).
60 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 128. Frasnacritetrus jamthaensis. Bar = 15 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene-Early Oligocene (Subathu and Dagshai
formations).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 148, pl. 5, figs. 1-3, Subathu
and Dagshai formations (Late Palaeocene-Early Oligocene),
Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Frasnacritetrus masolensis sp. nov.
Fig. 129
MycoBank No.: MB 519941.
Frasnacritetrus sp. in Saxena et al., Geophytology 17(2), p.
278, pl. 2, fig. 34. 1988.
Description: Fungal conidia with four processes. Main body
rectangular in shape, smooth, divided by vertical septa into
four chambers, each terminating into a process. Processes
tubular, broader at the base and taper towards the apices,
septate, laevigate. (Dimensions: Length of the conidia: 65-
100 m; size of the body: 20-30 m; size of the processes: 30-
70 m).
Fig. 129. Frasnacritetrus masolensis. Bar = 20 m.
Holotype: Saxena et al. 1988, pl. 2, fig. 34; slide no. 9577,
coordinates 28.5 x 113.5, Birbal Sahni Institute of
Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Masol-Kiratpur Section, Ambala District, Haryana,
India.
Age: Pliocene (Tatrot and Pinjor Formations).
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1988, p. 278, pl. 2, fig. 34, Tatrot
and Pinjor Formations (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur Section,
Ambala District, Haryana.
Species: Frasnacritetrus siwalikus Saxena et al. 1988
Fig. 130
MycoBank No.: MB 519774.
Description (Saxena et al. 1988, p. 277): Fungal conidia with
four processes. Main body oval in shape, dark brown in colour,
ornamented with sparsely placed coni and grana, divided into
4 columns, each column terminates into a process. Processes
tubular, wide at the base and gradually taper at the apices,
nonseptate, smooth. (Dimensions: Length of conidia: 50-60
m; size of the body: 25-35 m; size of the processes: 32-45
m).
Fig. 130. Frasnacritetrus siwalikus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Masol, Ambala District, Haryana, India.
Age: Pliocene (Tatrot Formation, Upper Siwalik).
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1988, p. 277, pl. 2, figs. 31-33,
Tatrot and Pinjor Formations (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur
Section, Ambala District, Haryana; Kumar & Takahashi 1991,
p. 609, pl. 7, fig. 6, pl. 16, fig. 11, Lower Bhuban and Bokabil
formations (Early-Middle Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam; Kumar 1994, p. 55, pl. 27, fig. 6, Lower Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section,
Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation (Early
Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Frasnacritetrus taugourdeaui Saxena & Sarkar
1986
Fig. 131
MycoBank No.: MB 519775.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 61
Frasnacritetrus sp. Sarkar & Singh 1988, p. 61, pl. 5, fig. 21;
pl. 6, fig. 18.
Description (Saxena & Sarkar 1986, p. 213-215): Fungal conidia
with four processes. Main body biconvex, spindle shaped,
unicellular, surface granulose; grana small in size, closely
placed and evenly distributed throughout the surface.
Processes arise out from one end of the body, tubular, slightly
wider at the base; all processes uniform in shape; wall of
processes smooth; septa present in the basal part of few
processes. (Dimensions: Length of the conidia: 66-112 m;
size of the body: 30-35 x 15-20 m; size of the processes: 35-75
x 2-5 m).
Fig. 131. Frasnacritetrus taugourdeaui. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Near Banethi, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh,
India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Sarkar 1986, p. 213-215, pl. 1, figs. 1-
3, text-fig. 2, Kasauli Formation and Lower Siwalik (Miocene),
near Banethi, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh and
Ramshahr Well no.1, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Genus: Fusiformisporites Rouse 1962
MycoBank No.: MB 21113.
Type species: Fusiformisporites crabbii Rouse 1962.
Description (Rouse 1962, p. 210): Spores (?) very distinctly
fusiform in outline. The unit is split into equal halves by an
equatorial wall that appears to be continuous, thus completely
dividing the unit. Longitudinal grooves spread out along the
wall from either pole like a spindle; some reach the equator,
others stop short of it. Only occasionally is a groove
continuous across the dividing wall. The wall is moderately
thick, about 3 m. Ornamentation laevigate. Size range 20-100
m.
Emended description (Elsik 1968, p. 269): Inaperturate,
dicellate fungal spores bearing characteristic elongate striae,
ribs, ridges or costae oriented parallel to the long axis of the
spore. Wall of one or more layers. Inner surface of wall psilate
to punctate or scabrate. Equatorial septum of two layers.
Equatorial constriction of wall may or may not be present.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Species: Fusiformisporites acutus Kumar 1990
Fig. 132
MycoBank No.: MB 126560.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 21): Fungal spores dicellate,
inaperturate and elongated-fusiform. Size range 90-102 m,
generally tapering towards acute ends. Septum ±1 m thick.
Spore wall 1-1.6 m thick and ribbed. Ribs ± 1 m wide, wider
1.6-2.5 m at septal region, closely spaced, alternate or
continuously running end to end, sometimes bifurcating and
converging at the ends, furrows narrow.
Fig. 132. Fusiformisporites acutus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Lower-Middle Miocene (Quilon beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 21, pl. 1, fig. 22, text-fig. 11,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Mandaokar
2004, p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene),
Champhai area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram.
Species: Fusiformisporites barmerensis sp. nov.
Fig. 133
MycoBank No.: MB 519942
Fusiformisporites sp. in Jain et al., Geophytology 3(2), p.
161, pl. 2, fig. 77. 1973.
cf. Fusiformisporites sp. in Mukherjee & Chakraborty in Badve
R. M. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 10th Indian
Colloquium on Micropalaeontology and Stratigraphy, Pune,
62 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
1982. Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science,
Pune, p. 506, pl. 1, fig. 2. 1984.
Description: Fusiform, inaperturate, dicellate fungal spores,
68-76 x 32-40 m, wall 0.5 m thick, striations thin, occasionally
open, apices thickened, smooth, septum two layered.
Fig. 133. Fusiformisporites barmerensis. Bar = 20 m.
Holotype: Jain et al. 1973, pl. 2, fig. 77; slide no. 4285/1, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Barmer Hills, Barmer District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Barmer Sandstone).
Indian records: Jain et al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, fig. 77, Barmer
Sandstone (Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer District,
Rajasthan.
Species: Fusiformisporites crabbii Rouse 1962
Fig. 134
MycoBank No.: MB 109769.
Description (Rouse 1962, p. 210-212): As for the genus, with
following additions: There are typically five grooves exposed
on each flattened sector. Also, the equatorial plate appears to
be slightly inset from the body wall, giving appearance of
constriction. Size range 45-52 m.
Fig. 134. Fusiformisporites crabbii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Terminal Dock, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada.
Age: Late Cretaceous- Middle Eocene (Burrard Formation).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 123, pl. 1,
figs. 8-9, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Mallesham et al. 1989,
p. 15, pl. 1, figs. 15-16, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin,
Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100, Kundlu and Nalagarh
formations (Miocene), Kundlu and Ramshahr, Solan District,
Himachal Pradesh; Rao et al. 1995, p. 374, Early Miocene,
Borewell at Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam District, Kerala;
Samant & Phadtare 1997, p. 67, pl. 15, fig. 9, Tarkeshwar
Formation (Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat;
Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte Formation (Early Miocene), 2
km from Dulte village on Dulte-Keifang Road, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Mandaokar 2002c, p. 79, Keifang Formation (Early
Miocene), eastern flank of Aizawl Hills, Mizoram; Mandaokar
2003, 187, Middle Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene),
Lawngtlai, Chhimtuipui District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2004,
p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene), Champhai
area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram; Kar et al. 2010, p. 242,
Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Fusiformisporites elongatus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 135
MycoBank No.: MB 115067.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 300-301): Spores light
brown, inaperturate, prominently elongated, dicellate, 35-38.5
x 8-12 m. Ends blunt, transverse septum up to 2.5 m thick,
spore wall 1 m thick, finely striate; striae longitudinal or
obliquely aligned, numerous, often converging at the ends,
ridges as thick as grooves.
Fig. 135. Fusiformisporites elongates. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 63
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 300-301, pl. 3, figs.
46-48, Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248-249,
pl. 1, fig. 10, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District,
West Bengal.
Species: Fusiformisporites foedus Salujha et al. 1974
Fig. 136
MycoBank No.: MB 519807.
Fusiformisporites sp. Ramanujam & Rao in Bharadwaj, D. C.
et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th International
Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77, Volume 1, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p. 300, pl. 3, fig. 44.
1978.
Description (Salujha et al. 1974, p. 281): Brown, oval with
pointed ends, size 43.2-46.4 x 24.5-27.2 m; on the equator a
wide disc with a wavy margin present, exine ± 1.2 m thick,
ridged, ridges 10 in number, ± 1.5 m wide, running from one
pole to the other.
Fig. 136. Fusiformisporites foedus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Bali-Chara Nadi Traverse; Khasi and Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Disang Formation).
Indian records: Salujha et al. 1974, p. 281, pl. 3, figs. 98-99,
Palaeocene, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya; Ramanujam
& Rao 1978, p. 300, pl. 3, fig. 42, Quilon and Warkalli beds
(Miocene), Kollam District, Kerala; Tripathi et al. 2000, p. 243,
Tura Formation (Early Eocene), Tura-Dalu Road, West Garo
Hills District, Meghalaya.
Species: Fusiformisporites keralensis Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 137
MycoBank No.: MB 115068.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 300): Spores dark
brown to light brown, large, inaperturate, fusiform to
rhomboidal, 51-56 x 32-36 m, dicellate, ends truncate to
broadly arched. Transverse septum conspicuous, two layered
up to 4 m thick. Spore wall 1.5 m thick, much thicker at each
end along the long axis, prominently striate; striae numerous,
longitudinal, seen on either side of septum, ridges slightly
broader than grooves.
Fig. 137. Fusiformisporites keralensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 300, pl. 3, fig. 42,
Quilon and Warkalli beds (Miocene), Kerala; Pathak &
Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig. 9, Geabdat Sandstone
(Neogene), Darjeeling District, West Bengal; Varma & Patil
1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Fusiformisporites lineolatus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 138
MycoBank No.: MB 111493.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 48): Fusiform fungal
spore 18.4 x 33.8 m, inaperturate bearing 6-7 conspicuous
longitudinal ribs. Two cells separated by an opaque septum
1.0 m thick.
Fig. 138. Fusiformisporites lineolatus. Bar = 10 m.
64 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Caliborne Formation).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 123, pl. 1, fig.
10, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna
Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin,
Tamil Nadu; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 11, Kharsalia Clay
Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Fusiformisporites minutus Phadtare & Kulkarni
1984 (nom. inval.)
Remarks: This species name was not validly published by
Phadtare and Kulkarni [1984, p. 528, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Ratnagiri
Beds (Miocene), well at Golap on Ratnagiri-Pawas Road,
Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra], as they did not publish
description of the species.
Species: Fusiformisporites pseudocrabbii Elsik 1968
Fig. 139
MycoBank No.: MB 314248.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 270-272): Fusiform, inaperturate
fungal bodies bearing broad longitudinal ribs or folds. Fine
inner striae made up of rows of punctae, punctae parallel to
the coarse ribs. Width of spores ca. 25 m, length 40-45 m.
Wall of two layers: inner 0.5 m thick, outer 0.5 to 1.5 m at
apices. Apices 1.5 to 2 m, psilate. Equatorial septum 2 m
thick, of two layers. Slight constriction of spore wall
equatorially. Spore wall occasionally split between ribs.
Fig. 139. Fusiformisporites pseudocrabbii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 11 km south-east of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Venkatachala & Rawat 1973, p. 257-258, pl. 1,
fig. 4, Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Rawat
et al. 1977, p. 187, Kadi Formation (Early Eocene), Cambay
Basin, Gujarat; Kar et al. 1994, p. 187, subsurface Tertiary
sediments in Upper Assam; Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Namchik River Section,
Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh.
Species: Fusiformisporites tonakkalensis Varma & Patil
1985
MycoBank No.: MB 133495.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Varmasporites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Varmasporites tonakkalensis (Varma & Patil 1985) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
G
Genus: Granodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 30409.
Type species: Granodiporites erdtmanii Varma & Rawat 1963.
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 135): Diporate pollen
grains with granular exine.
Classification: Angiospermae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred the
type species Granodiporites erdtmanii Varma & Rawat 1963,
to pollen genus Banksieaeidites Cookson 1950. The genus
Granodiporites therefore became a junior synonym of
Banksieaeidites Cookson 1950. Surprisingly, even after its
transfer to pollen genus, they classified it under “Fungi
Imperfecti, Amerosporae”.
Species: Granodiporites erdtmanii Varma & Rawat 1963
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to pollen genus Banksieaeidites Cookson (1950)
Species: Granodiporites piercei Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 483374.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat (1963) [See:
Foveodiporites piercei (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Granodiporites sahnii Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 483375.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dyadosporites van der Hammen (1954) [See:
Dyadosporites sahnii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
H
Genus: Hapalophragmites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 28629.
Type species: Hapalophragmites cumminsii Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 82): Teliospores
triquetrously three-celled, pedicellate, odd cell terminal, the
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 65
two basal cells borne on a common stalk; wall cinnamon-
brown; one germ pore in each cell.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Uredinales.
Species: Hapalophragmites cumminsii Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980
Fig. 140
MycoBank No.: MB 483758.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, P. 82): Teliospores
triquetrously three-celled, pedicellate, more or less rounded
triangular to rounded, 30-42 x 30-39 m, cinnamon-brown,
wall up to 3 m thick, smooth; pedicel up to 8 m long; one
germ pore per cell, faint, up to 2 m in diameter.
Fig. 140. Hapalophragmites cumminsii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene (Neyveli lignite).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 82-83, pl. 1,
figs. 7-9, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Haplopeltis Theissen 1914
MycoBank No.: MB 2234.
Type species: Haplopeltis bakeriana (Rehm) Theissen 1914.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Haplopeltis mucoris Dilcher 1965
Fig. 141
MycoBank No.: MB 331694.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 26): Fruiting body more or less
round, 50-100 m in diameter, not radiate, conspicuously
raised above the surface of the host leaf, ostiolate. Ostioles
7-15 m in diameter, prominent, central, round, surrounded
by a ring of small (3-5 m in diameter) cells. Fruiting body
pseudoparenchymatous, cells 2-8 m in diameter, margins not
radiate, entire. No free hyphae present. No spores known.
Found on the upper surface of (leaves of) Chrysobalanus sp.
Locality: Western Tennessee, U.S.A.
Fig. 141. Haplopeltis mucoris. Bar = 25 m.
Age: Early Eocene.
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 102, pl. 1, fig. 6,
Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene)), Kerala.
Species: Haplopeltis neyveliensis Reddy et al. 1982
Fig. 142
MycoBank No.: MB 519809.
Description (Reddy et al. 1982, p. 118): Ascomata rounded,
epiphyllous, brownish, prominently raised above the general
surface of leaf, free mycelium lacking, 75-145 m in diameter,
conspicuously ostiolate, ostiole rounded, elevated, 8-15 m
in diameter, centric or slightly eccentric, bordered by 2-4 layers
of small, angular, dark brown, thick-walled cells, ostiole border
5-8 m thick; fruit body pseudoparenchymatous, cells non-
radiating, angular, locally of irregular shape, 4.5-12 m in
diameter, thin-walled, margin firm, entire, composed of
flattened cells.
Fig. 142. Haplopeltis neyveliense. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene.
66 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian records: Reddy et al. 1982, p. 118, pl. 2, figs. 7-9, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Helicominites Barlinge & Paradkar 1982
MycoBank No.: MB 21126.
Type species: Helicominites salvinites Barlinge & Paradkar
1982.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 167): Fungus
saprophytic; mycelium septate, branched, hyphae faint in
colour; pycnidium and acervulus absent; conidia coiled in
loose spirals and narrow at both ends.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Helicominites salvinites Barlinge & Paradkar 1982
Fig. 143
MycoBank No.: MB 108905.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 166): Saprophytic
fungus found inside Salvinia intertrappea megaspores, in
space usually occupied by female gametophyte; mycelium 5-
6 m in breadth; conidia loosely, spirally coiled, 21-32 x 20-30
m, narrow at both ends.
Fig. 143. Helicominites salvinites. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Cretaceous – Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Series).
Indian records: Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 166-167, text-
figs. T-V, Deccan Intertrappean Series (?Late Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Helminthosporites Chitaley & Sheikh 1971 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 21128.
Type species: Helminthosporites mohgaoensis Chitaley &
Sheikh 1971 (nom. inval.).
Description: As for the type species (combined description).
Classification: Hyphomycetes.
Remarks: No illustration of this taxon was published.
However, the authors illustrated their taxonomic concept with
photographs of extant Helminthosporium. This generic name
(and also the species Helminthosporites mohgaoensis
Chitaley & Sheikh 1971) is therefore not validly published.
Species: Helminthosporites mohgaoensis Chitaley & Sheikh
1971 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 106175.
Description (combined description, Chitaley and Sheikh 1971,
p. 138): Mycelium of short, branched, septate hyphae with
multicellular 1- to 4-celled spores of dark colour. Sexual
reproduction not known.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Chitaley & Sheikh 1971, p. 138, fig. 4, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (?Palaeocene), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Remarks: Chitaley and Sheikh (1971) stated that the present
fungus does not show any sexual reproductive stage and
thus is difficult to assign to a definite fungal order. However,
the septate shortly branched condition of the hyphae with
multicellular spores suggests its identity with the existing
Helminthosporium group (Alexopoulos 1958, Wolf & Wolf
1949). Fungi from this group are imperfect ones and are
normally found infecting cereals. They therefore included it
in the group Helminthosporium under the new name
Helminthosporites mohgaoensis. No illustration of this taxon
was published by Chitaley and Sheikh (1971). However, they
illustrated their taxonomic concept with photographs of extant
Helminthosporium. This generic name, and also the name of
the species, is therefore considered as not validly published.
Genus: Hendersonula Spegazzini 1880
MycoBank No.: MB 8511.
Type species: Hendersonula australis Spegazzini 1880.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Hendersonula mohgaoensis Singh & Patil 1980
Fig. 144
MycoBank No.: MB 108907.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 18): Pycnidia in chains,
embedded in stroma in host tissue, oval or irregular, each 126-
145 x 85-140 m in size, thin-walled; conidiogenous cells 4 m
long; conidia oval, 4 x 1.5 m, bicelled, thin-walled. Host:
dicotyledonous wood.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean beds).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 67
Fig. 144. Hendersonula mohgaoensis. A. Arrangement of
pycnidia. Bar = 800 m, B. Host tissue with mycelium. Bar = 50
m, C. Part of pycnidium wall with dicellate spores and stroma.
Bar = 50 m.
Indian records: Singh & Patil 1980, p. 18, pl. 1, figs. 3-4, text-
figs. 5-6, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Cretaceous), Mohgaon
Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Hilidicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28618.
Type species: Hilidicellites appendiculatus (Sheffy & Dilcher
1971) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 133): Small to
medium-sized dicellate fungal spores, with the proximal end
flattened or truncate, due to the presence of a hilum or pore-
like structure; the two cells generally of comparable size; spore
wall thin or of medium thickness, smooth or with subdued
sculpture, generally thinner than the septal base.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Didymosporae.
Remarks: Didymoporisporonites differs in having proximal
cell, much smaller than the distal cell. Dicellaesporites lacks
a hilum or pore.
Species: Hilidicellites constrictus (Mathur & Mathur 1969)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 145
MycoBank No.: MB 519830.
Dyadosporonites constrictus Mathur & Mathur, Bulletin of
the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India 42,
p. 3, pl. 1, fig. 3. 1969.
Description (Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 3): Surface view. Spores
bilocular, horizontally septate, strongly constricted at the
septum, individual cells 12 x 9.8 m in size, two-layered, psilate,
brown.
Fig. 145. Hilidicellites constrictus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Naera and Baraia area, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Pliocene.
Indian records: Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 3, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Pliocene, Naera and Baraia area, Kutch District, Gujarat; Kar
1985, p. 159, pl. 37, fig. 3, Pliocene, Naera, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 8, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area
in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Kar et al. 1994, p. 187, pl. 2, fig.
30, subsurface Tertiary sediments in Upper Assam; Misra et
al. 1996, p. 95, Baghmara Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-
Dalu Road Section along Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Namchik River Section, Changlang District,
Arunachal Pradesh.
Remarks: Mathur and Mathur incorrectly cited the generic
name as “Dyadosporonites van der Hammen 1954”. This error
in bibliographic citation does not, however, invalidate the
publication of the species name. The photograph of the type
specimen shows a distinct hilum and subtending hyphal
fragment; it probably is a teleutospore.
Species: Hilidicellites dubius Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 146
MycoBank No.: MB 483384.
Dicellaesporites crassiseptus Ramanujam & Srisailam,
Botanique 9(1-4), p. 127, pl. 2, fig. 20. 1980, non Hilidicellites
crassiseptus (Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 127): Spores
dark brown, dicellate, elliptical, 15.5-20.4 x 7-8.5 m,
68 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
inaperturate, upper cell more acutely tapering than the lower
cell, base slightly protruding, frilled, transverse septum dark,
opaque, in the form of a conspicuously thick (6.8 m) band;
spore wall up to 2.2 m thick, psilate to finely granular.
Fig. 146. Hilidicellites dubius. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kannur beach area, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur
(southern side of Karingottu River), Kannur District, Kerala,
India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 127, pl. 2, fig.
20, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Varma
& Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Mallesham et al. 1989,
p. 15, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and
Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Hilidicellites indicus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 147
MycoBank No.: MB 483386.
Didymoporisporonites indicus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 31. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51): Spindle-shaped
fungal spore, size 35 x 15 m; dicellate, both cells almost equal
in size, uniseptate; monoporate, pore on the apex of one cell,
pore margin not thickened, wall 0.5 m thick, punctate.
Fig. 147. Hilidicellites indicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 31, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Hilidicellites siddiquiei (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 148
MycoBank No.: MB 483394.
Didymoporisporonites siddiquiei Chandra et al.,
Biovigyanam 10(1), p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 32. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51): Oval fungal spores,
size 38 x 21 m, dicellate, closed apex of the spore rounded
while the other one conical; uniseptate, septum faint but
complete, about 1 m thick; monoporate, pore margin not
thickened, spore wall very thin, hyaline, psilate, finely folded.
Fig. 148. Hilidicellites siddiquiei. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°12.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 32, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long.
69°12.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Genus: Hypoxylonites Elsik 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 25556.
Hypoxylonsporites Kumar 1990 (May), non Hypoxylonites
Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980 (nom. inval.; lacking a
diagnosis).
Type species: Hypoxylonites brazosensis Elsik 1990.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 143): Oval to elongate, aseptate,
bilateral, psilate fungal spores bearing an elongate scar, slit
or furrow. At the level of transmitted light microscopy, at least
one species is faintly sculptured. The elongate furrow is
parallel to the axis and can be of various lengths. Apices
rounded to pointed; usually of similar shape but some species
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 69
have an attachment scar at one end; apices can also be
thickened or otherwise modified. The spore wall in most
specimens is generally rigid.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Kumar (1990, p. 18-19) instituted
Hypoxylonsporites (Type species: H. miocenicus) with the
following diagnosis “Fungal spores unicellular, oval to
ellipsoidal in shape with acutely rounded ends. A longitudinal
slit like aperture may be running end to end. Spore wall single
layered, smooth and may be differentially coloured.” It is
evident that Hypoxylonites Elsik (March 1990) and
Hypoxylonsporites Kumar (May 1990) are identical in all
essential characters and are therefore synonyms. Both of
these genera have affinity with the extant genus Hypoxylon
of the family Xylariaceae. Above observation was made by
Saxena (1992). Since Hypoxylonites has nomenclatural priority
over Hypoxylonsporites, Saxena (1992) transferred the species
described under latter to the former.
Species: Hypoxylonites ater (Kumar 1990) Saxena 1992
Fig. 149
MycoBank No.: MB 483400.
Hypoxylonsporites ater Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany and
Palynology 63, p. 19, pl. 1 fig. 13. 1990.
Hypoxylonites ater (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar & Jansonius,
AASP Contribution Series 39, p. 137, pl. 4, fig. 29. 2000.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 19): Fungal spores unicellular,
broadly oval in shape, ends tapered. Size 25-30 x 18-20 m.
Longitudinal slit runs from end to end. Spore wall single
layered, ± 1.6 m thick and smooth.
Fig. 149. Hypoxylonites ater. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 19, pl. 1 fig. 13, Quilon Beds
(Early-Middle Miocene), Padappakkara, Kollam District,
Kerala, India.
Species: Hypoxylonites bhubanensis Nandi & Banerjee in
Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 150
MycoBank No.: MB 519748.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58): Amerospores bilateral,
elliptical, elongated, generally with rounded to obtuse distal
and basal ends, sides straight to slightly convex, furrow long,
situated at straight side. Spore wall 2 m thick, surface smooth.
Spore size ranges from 30 m – 45 m x 12 m – 15 m.
Fig. 150. Hypoxylonites bhubanensis. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Neogene (Bhuban, Bokabil Tipam and Dupitila
formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, text-fig.
3.1, Bhuban, Bokabil Tipam and Dupitila formations (Neogene),
North-eastern India.
Remarks: Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites bhubanensis” but did not
validly publish the name, as they did not cite where the type
is stored (McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Hypoxylonites chaiffetzii Elsik 1990
Fig. 151
MycoBank No.: MB 130350.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 147): Bilateral, aseptate, reniform,
psilate fungal spores with a longitudinal furrow about 3/4 of
the length of the spore. Outline of the spore is almost straight
along the furrow; the ends of the spore are narrowly rounded.
Overall size ca. 11-13 x 29 m. The spore wall is rigid, 0.5 m or
less thick, and can be very slightly thickened at the
subrounded apices.
70 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 151. Hypoxylonites chaiffetzii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Gulf Coast.
Age: Neogene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58, pl. 1, fig. 3, Siju,
Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations
(Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites curvatus (Ramanujam & Rao 1978)
Elsik 1990
Fig. 152
MycoBank No.: MB 130343.
Diporisporites curvatus Ramanujam & Rao in Bharadwaj, D.
C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th International
Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77, Volume 1, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p. 294, pl. 1, fig. 6.
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 294): Spores diporate,
darkish brown, elliptical to slightly elongated and curved, 14
x 7.5 m. A single pore on opposite ends of spore along its
vertical axis, pore rounded, simple, not pouting; spore wall
two layered up to 1.5 m thick, surface psilate.
Fig. 152. Hypoxylonites curvatus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Alleppey, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 294, pl. 1, fig. 6,
Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig. 4,
Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte Formation (Early
Miocene), 2 km from Dulte Village on Dulte-Keifang Road,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2002c, p. 79, Keifang
Formation (Early Miocene), eastern flank of Aizawl Hills,
Mizoram.
Species: Hypoxylonites elsikii Nandi & Banerjee in Nandi
et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 153
MycoBank No.: MB 519749.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58): Amerospores bilateral,
boat shaped to elliptical to cylindrical ellipsoid with narrowly
protruded apiculi at both ends, sides convex. Single
longitudinal furrow straight, narrow, extended to the ends.
Spore wall 2 um thick, thicker towards the poles but thinner at
the far ends of the spores and around the furrow. Spore size
ranges from 5 m-15 m x 10 m-25 m.
Fig. 153. Hypoxylonites elsikii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Siju, Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil and Dihing
formations),
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58, pl. 1, figs. 5, 9, 16, 17,
text-fig. 3.3, Siju, Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil and Dihing
formations (Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites elsikii” but did not validly
publish the name, as they did not cite where the type is stored
(McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 71
Species: Hypoxylonites eocenicus Elsik 1990
Fig. 154
MycoBank No.: MB 130355.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 149): Aseptate, psilate fungal
spores ca. 10 x 25 m overall. Outline narrowly elliptical in a
fusiform manner with subpointed ends. Furrow straight and
parallel to the length of the spore. The furrow almost
completely encircles the spore; the more or less equal halves
of the spore remain attached to one end which is very slightly
less narrowly rounded. Thickness of the spore wall is ca. 0.5
m or less, generally ca. 0.25 m.
Fig. 154. Hypoxylonites eocenicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: The Green River Section, Washington, U.S.A.
Age: Late Eocene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 58, pl. 1, figs. 18, 20, pl. 2,
fig. 19, Siju, Kherapara, Bhuban and Bokabil formations
(Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites felixii Elsik 1990
Fig. 155
MycoBank No.: MB 130357.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 150): Aseptate, psilate fungal
spores ca. 14 x 23 m overall. Spore wall ca. 0.5 m, thickened
to ca. 1 m over the protruding ends of the spore. Outline
elliptical in top view, with narrowly rounded ends. The furrow
reaches within 2 m of the ends of the spore; it is straight and
parallel to the length of the spore. Outline in side view not
seen. The furrow in oblique views is seen to traverse a convex
surface of the spore.
Fig. 155. Hypoxylonites felixii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Mid Creek Section, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 18, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Hypoxylonites fusiformis Elsik 1990
Fig. 156
MycoBank No.: MB 130359.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 150): Aseptate, psilate fungal
spores ca. 8 x 20 m overall. The spore wall is very thin,
uniformly ca. 0.25 m. Outline elliptical or narrowly elliptical
with pointed or subpointed ends in an overall fusiform shape.
The longitudinal furrow reaches the ends of the spore. The
outline in side view was not seen.
Fig. 156. Hypoxylonites fusiformis. Bar = 5 m.
72 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: The Gulf Coast.
Age: Neogene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59, pl. 1, figs. 4, 8, Bhuban,
Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations (Neogene), North-
eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites gulfensis Elsik 1990
Fig. 157
MycoBank No.: MB 130360.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 150): Bilateral, reniform, aseptate,
psilate fungal spores with a longitudinal furrow generally 1/2
or less of the length of the straight or concave side of the
spore. Overall size 7-10 x 25-32 m. Spore wall 0.25-0.5 m or
slightly thicker, thickening to a maximum of 1.5 m over the
ends of the spore in a few specimens; not thickened in other
specimens. Aperture a narrow furrow with rounded ends. Ends
of spore subpointed or narrowly rounded.
Fig. 157. Hypoxylonites gulfensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: The Gulf Coast.
Age: Neogene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59, pl. 1, fig. 7, Bhuban,
Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations (Neogene), North-
eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites kumarii Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000
Fig. 158
MycoBank No.: MB 483402.
Hypoxylonsporites miocenicus Kumar, Review of
Palaeobotany and Palynology 63, p. 19, pl. 1 fig. 23. 1990
(May), non Elsik 1990 (March).
Hypoxylonites miocenicus (Kumar 1990) Saxena,
Geophytology 21, p. 211. 1992.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 19): Fungal spores unicellular,
elliptic to spindle-shaped with narrowly rounded ends. Size
21-55 x 9-26 m. A longitudinal slit extends from one end to
the other. Spore wall single layered, ± 1.6 m thick and smooth.
Fig. 158. Hypoxylonites kumarii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Lower-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 19, pl. 1, fig. 23, text-fig. 6,
Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Hypoxylonites magnus Elsik 1990
Fig. 159
MycoBank No.: MB 130364.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 152): Aseptate, psilate fungal
spores ca. 15 x 44 m overall in side view. Outline in top view
narrowly elliptical; in side view narrowly reniform.
Longitudinal, straight furrow reaches to about 5-6 m from
each end of the spore along the straight to very slightly convex
side. Spore wall 0.25-0.5 m, thickening to 1 m towards the
ends and to 1.0-2.0 m over +the ends.
Fig. 159. Hypoxylonites magnus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Socony-Vacuum Borehole no. 2, Isla de Cubagua,
Venezuela.
Age: Middle Miocene.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 73
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 14, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Hypoxylonites minimus Nandi & Banerjee in Nandi
et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 160
MycoBank No.: MB 519750.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59): Spores elliptic, sides
convex, apex rounded, furrow long, crossed one end and
almost encircle the spore throughout its polar axis. Spore
exine thick, thinner around the aperture, surface smooth. Spore
size ranges from 5-7 m x 10-12 m.
Fig. 160. Hypoxylonites minimus. Bar = 3 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila
formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59, pl. 1, figs. 12, 21, text-
fig. 3.5, Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations
(Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Nandi & Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites minimus” but did not validly
publish the name, as they did not cite where the type is stored
(McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Hypoxylonites miocenicus Elsik 1990
Fig. 161
MycoBank No.: MB 130367.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 153): Aseptate, aporate, psilate
fungal spores bearing a single linear furrow. Outline elliptical
with sharply rounded ends; the shape is robustly uniform.
The furrow extends to the ends, or almost to the ends, of the
spore. Overall size is ca. 12-13 x 20-22 m. The spore wall is ca.
0.8 m; it is 0.5 m or thinner over the surface around the
furrow, and thickened to ca. 1 m at the ends of the spore.
Fig. 161. Hypoxylonites miocenicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: The Gulf Coast.
Age: Late Miocene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59, pl. 1, figs. 6, 10,
Mahadeo, Langpar, Cherra Sandstone, Kherapara, Bhuban,
Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila and Dihing formations (Late
Cretaceous-Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites neogenicus Nandi & Banerjee in
Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 162
MycoBank No.: MB 519753.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59): Spores broadly elliptical
to barrel shaped, equator much broader than the apices, apices
bluntly rounded. Furrow long, broader at the middle and
extended up to the apices dividing the spore almost into two
equal boat shaped halves. Spore wall 1.5 m thick, surface
smooth. Size ranges from 80 m - 90 m x 15 m - 25 m.
Fig. 162. Hypoxylonites neogenicus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Neogene (Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila and Dihing
formations).
74 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 59, pl. 1, figs. 13-14, text-
fig. 3.2, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila and Dihing
formations (Neogene), Northeastern India.
Remarks: Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites neogenicus” but did not
validly publish the name, as they did not cite where the type
is stored (McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Hypoxylonites ovalis Elsik 1990
Fig. 163
MycoBank No.: MB 130369.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 153): Reniform to oval, bilateral,
aseptate, psilate fungal spores with a longitudinal furrow
nearly the full length of the spore on the somewhat straighter
face. One side of the furrow is generally folded. Overall size 7-
8 x 16-17 m; spore wall ca. 0.75 m.
Fig. 163. Hypoxylonites ovalis. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: The Green River Section, Washington, U.S.A.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 1, fig. 22, Kherapara,
Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations (Tertiary),
Northeastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites subrotundus Nandi & Banerjee in
Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 164
MycoBank No.: MB 519752.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60): Spores oval to spherical
in shape with rounded apices. Furrow long, reaching the
apices and sometimes dividing the spores into two boat
shaped halves. Spore wall thin to thick. Size ranges from 15
m x 20 m – 30 m.
Fig. 164. Hypoxylonites subrotundus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila
formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 1, fig. 19, text-fig.
3.4, Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations
(Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites subrotundus” but did not
validly publish the name, as they did not cite where the type
is stored (McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Hypoxylonites subuliformis Elsik 1990
Fig. 165
MycoBank No.: MB 130375.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 156): Awl-shaped fungal spores,
psilate with elongate furrow about 1/4 or less of the spore
length on the straight side of the spore. Outline very narrowly
elliptical in top view. Overall size ca. 7 x 56 m. The wall is 0.5-
1 m thick and can be slightly thickened at the apices.
Fig. 165. Hypoxylonites subuliformis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Strata in the Socony-Vacuum Borehole No. 2, Isla
de Cubagua, Venezuela.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 2, figs. 1-2, Siju,
Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations (Tertiary),
North-eastern India.
Species: Hypoxylonites sulekii Elsik 1990
Fig. 166
MycoBank No.: MB 130376.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 75
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 156): Aseptate, psilate fungal spores
ca. 10-14 x 34-44 m overall. The spore outline in top view is
narrowly elliptical, with the rounded to narrowly rounded ends
slightly or markedly protruded. The longitudinal furrow is a
narrow slit or can be gaping with rounded ends, 1/2 to 3/4 the
length of the flatter surface of the spore. Outline in side view
reniform or boat shaped, asymmetrical; the furrow generally
slightly raised, i.e. ends of the spore to the furrow are convex,
then straight to concave along the furrow; opposite side low
rounded and convex. Spore wall ca. 0.5-1.0 m, thickening to
1.5-2.5 m at the ends.
Fig. 166. Hypoxylonites sulekii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Socony-Vacuum Borehole no. 2, Isla de Cubagua,
Venezuela; the Gulf Coast; the Pacific Coast.
Age: Middle Miocene strata in Venezuela; Neogene of the
Gulf Coast; Neogene of the Pacific Coast, from northern
California to offshore Baja California.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 1, figs. 11, 15,
Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene), North-eastern
India; Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 6, Akli Formation
(Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer District,
Rajasthan.
Species: Hypoxylonites thindii Nandi & Sinha in Nandi et
al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 167
MycoBank No.: MB 519751.
Description Spores rectangular in shape with bluntly straight
to slightly convex apices, sides straight to slightly convex.
Furrow long and situated at the straight side of the spore,
very thin. Spore wall thin, smooth. Size ranges l0 m-15 m x
19 m-21 m.
Fig. 167. Hypoxylonites thindii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Siju, Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam,
Dupitila and Dihing formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 2, figs. 13-15, text-
fig. 3.6, Siju, Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila and
Dihing formations (Tertiary), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) described
the new species “Hypoxylonites thindii” but did not validly
publish the name, as they did not cite where the type is stored
(McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Hypoxylonites vittatoides Elsik 1990
Fig. 168
MycoBank No.: MB 130380.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 158): Aseptate, psilate fungal
spores ca. 12-14 x 24-26 m overall. Outline elliptical in a
fusiform fashion due to the pointed to sharply rounded ends.
The furrow is schizoid, almost completely traversing the spore
except for one end. The spore wall is 0.5-0.75 m thick.
Fig. 168. Hypoxylonites vittatoides. Bar = 10 m.
76 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Imperial Nuktak C-22 well, Mackenzie River delta,
Mackenzie District, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 11, pl. 1, fig. 9, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Genus Hypoxylonsporites Kumar 1990 (May)
MycoBank No.: MB 25448.
Type species: Hypoxylonsporites miocenicus Kumar 1990
(May)
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 18): Fungal spores unicellular,
oval to elliptical in shape with acutely rounded ends. A
longitudinal slit-like aperture may be running end to end. Spore
wall single-layered, smooth, and may be differentially
coloured.
Remarks: The genus Hypoxylonsporites shows close affinity
with the extant genus Hypoxylon (Miller 1961). Specimens of
Hypoxylonsporites also show resemblance with Recent
Endocalyx. Elsik (1990) placed fungal amerospores having a
single furrow into two genera, Hypoxylonites and
Spirotremesporites. He reviewed their relationship to modern
genera such as Arthrinium, Hypoxylon and Xylaria, which
are known to produce spores similar to these two
morphotypes. Hypoxylonites was established for the fossil
fungal spores that have one longitudinal furrow parallel to
the long axis of the spores; Spirotremesporites Dueñas-
Jimenez 1979 was emended to include those fossil fungal
spores with only one straight, sigmoidal or spiralling furrow
that is oblique to the long axis of the spore. Elsik’s (March
1990) paper has priority over that of Kumar (May 1990), and
hence Hypoxylonsporites is a junior taxonomic synonym of
Hypoxylonites.
Species: Hypoxylonsporites ater Kumar 1990 (May)
MycoBank No.: MB 126561.
Remarks: Since Hypoxylonsporites Kumar (May 1990) is a
junior taxonomic synonym of Hypoxylonites Elsik (March
1990), Saxena (1992) transferred this species to Hypoxylonites
[See: Hypoxylonites ater (Kumar 1990) Saxena 1992].
Species: Hypoxylonsporites miocenicus Kumar 1990 (May)
MycoBank No.: MB 126562.
Hypoxylonites miocenicus (Kumar) Saxena 1992, p. 211, non
Hypoxylonites miocenicus Elsik 1990 (March).
Remarks: Since Hypoxylonsporites Kumar (May 1990) is a
junior taxonomic synonym of Hypoxylonites Elsik (March
1990), Hypoxylonsporites miocenicus Kumar 1990 was
required to be transferred to Hypoxylonites Elsik (1990).
However, such transfer would have made this species a junior
synonym of Hypoxylonites miocenicus Elsik 1990. Kalgutkar
and Jansonius therefore proposed a new name for this species
[See: Hypoxylonites kumarii Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
I
Genus: Imprimospora Norris 1986
MycoBank No.: MB 25449.
Type species: Imprimospora tankensis Norris 1986.
Description (Norris 1986, p. 22): Unicellate, ovoidal,
equilateral, isopolar fungal spores with a central region of
parallel striae or fissures parallel to the apical line. Pore or
furrow present near one end of spore.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Imprimospora is identical to
Palaeoamphisphaerella Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, hence
Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) considered Imprimospora a
junior synonym of Palaeoamphisphaerella.
Species: Imprimospora ramanujamii Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126563.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Kumarisporites [See: Kumarisporites ramanujamii
(Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Genus: Inapertisporites van der Hammen 1954a
MycoBank No.: MB 21139.
Type species: Inapertisporites variabilis van der Hammen
1954a (designated by van der Hammen 1954b, p. 14).
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 83): Fungal spores
without performed aperture.
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 268): Inaperturate, psilate,
fungal spores. One cell, no septa. Shape variable.
Emended Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 37): Fungal
or algal spores unicellate, nonseptate, and inaperturate. Shape
globular or non globular; outline smooth or often uneven
because of wrinkles or folds. Ornamentation variable. Size
range 5-11 m.
Emended Description (Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 193):
Inaperturate algal or fungal spores, unicellate, nonseptate.
Shape and size variable, outline smooth or often uneven
because of wrinkles or folds. Spore wall ornamentation
variable.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Inapertisporites cephalus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 169
MycoBank No.: MB 106915.
Inapertisporites cephalus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 2. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44): Spherical to oval
fungal spores; size range 24-57 x 23-55 m; unicellate,
inaperturate; spore wall up to 1.0 m thick, psilate, ±
intrapunctate, pigment light.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 77
Fig. 169. Inapertisporites cephalus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 1757.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 2, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E), Sediment
core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites chandrae sp. nov.
Fig. 170
MycoBank No.: MB 519898.
Inapertisporites sp. cf. I. nodulus Sheffy & Dilcher in Chandra
et al., Biovigyanam 10(1), p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 9. 1984.
Description: Circular fungal spore with ± wavy margin and a
small, about 2 m long protuberance, main body of the spore
6-11 m in diameter (excluding protuberance), unicellate,
inaperturate, spore wall psilate, pigment solid, dark.
Fig. 170. Inapertisporites chandrae. Bar = 5 m.
Holotype: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 9; slide no. 6337,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites circularis (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 171
MycoBank No.: MB 111543.
Inapertisporites circularis Sheffy & Dilcher,
Palaeontographica Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 38, pl. 15, fig. 2. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 38): Spherical fungal
spores, unicellular, inaperturate, psilate; wall distinct, 1.0 m
thick. Diameter ranges from 9.7-11.6 m (three specimens).
Fig. 171. Inapertisporites circularis. Bar = 7 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 47-48, pl. 2, fig. 21,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 185, pl. 2, fig. 25,
Middle-Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section,
Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar 1991, p. 3, Kakara
Series (Early Eocene), near Kakara-Chapla group of villages,
north of Gambhar River, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh;
Sarkar et al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik (Late Miocene), Bagh
Rao, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand; Samant & Tapaswi 2000,
p. 29, fig. 2.13, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Inapertisporites crenulatus Kumar 1990
Fig. 172
MycoBank No.: MB 126564.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 14): Fungal spores unicellular,
inaperturate, lenticular in shape, size 17-25 x 25-28 m in
diameter. Spore wall differentially thickened, ± 2 m thick,
equatorial margin wavy simulating crested outline, crests ± 2
m high ± 3 m broad in optical section. Both the surfaces
smooth. A polar thinner area, 9-10 m in diameter.
78 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 172. Inapertisporites crenulatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 14-15, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, text-fig.
1, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near Kanjantheria
House, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Samant &
Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig. 2.9, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene),
Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Inapertisporites cystoides (Ambwani 1982)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 173
MycoBank No.: MB 483900.
Inapertisporites cystoides Ambwani, Palaeobotanist 30(1),
p. 29, pl. 1, figs. 3-4. 1982.
Description (Ambwani 1982, p. 29): Fungal body/cyst dark
brown, non-aperturate, circular to oval in shape, size 66-60
m in diameter, spore wall very thick, ± 4.5 m, laevigate or
punctate.
Fig. 173. Inapertisporites cystoides. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kotta-Bommuru, near Rajahmundry, East Godavari
District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Ambwani 1982, p. 29, pl. 1, figs. 3-4, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-Bommuru near
Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites deccani (Chitaley & Yawale 1978)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 174
MycoBank No.: MB 483407.
Ustilago deccanii Chitaley & Yawale, Botanique 7(4), p. 192,
pl. 1, figs. 3-4. 1978.
Description (Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 192): (Diagnosis):
Spores spherical, subspherical, sometimes elongate, 7 x 15
m in diameter with granular contents. Epispore moderately
thick. Some spores with depression on one side, deep brown
to pale. (Description): A spore mass without definite margin,
not covered by a pseudo-membrane, and not forming spore
balls, occurs in obscure rotted plant tissue (in a thin section
of dark chert); the same type of fungal spores are also scattered
over the decaying plant tissue. The spores are deep brown to
pale in colour, with granular content and a mean diameter of
11 m, and are found mostly singly, or occasionally in loose
groups. Spores two-layered, epispore smooth, 0.4-1.5 m thick.
Many spores show folding and a depression on one side. No
associated mycelium or sori observed.
Fig. 174. Inapertisporites deccani. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean
Series).
Indian records: Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 191-192, pl. 1, figs.
3-4, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Latest Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites dilcheri Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106916.
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Diporicellaesporites Elsik 1968 [See:
Diporicellaesporites dilcheri (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 79
Species: Inapertisporites edigeri Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000
Fig. 175
MycoBank No.: MB 483408.
Inapertisporites rotundus Ediger, Palaeontographica Abt. B
179, p. 89, pl. 1, fig. 1. 1981, non Inapertisporites rotundus Ke
& Shi 1978.
Description (Ediger 1981, p. 89): Unicellular, aseptate, spherical
to subspherical fungal spore; usually compressed from one
side; more than two grains usually clustered irregularly;
medium to dark melanin colour, inaperturate; exine 1-2 m
thick and usually pitted. Contact areas are darker due to
folding. Size 14-17 x 21-26 m.
Emended description (Ediger & Alisan 1981, p. 141): Unicellular,
aseptate, inaperturate, circular to oval fungal spores. More
than two grains are usually clustered irregularly. Exine is 1-2
m thick, commonly folded, pitted, medium dark to melanin
dark. Contact areas are dark due to folding. Size 14-32 x 21-51
m.
Fig. 175. Inapertisporites edigeri. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Thrace Basin, Turkey.
Age: Late Eocene-Oligocene, Miocene-Pliocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 10, pl. 1, fig. 7, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Inapertisporites ellipticus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 176
MycoBank No.: MB 106917.
Inapertisporites ellipticus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 1. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44): Oval-elliptical fungal
spores, size range 27-127 x 17-98 m, unicellate, inaperturate;
spore wall psilate, up to 1.5 m thick, irregularly folded.
Fig. 176. Inapertisporites ellipticus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 1, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Sediment core no. 3 (Lat. 19°32.8'N: Long. 71°21.5'E), Sediment
core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E), Sediment core no.
5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea; Saxena &
Singh 1982a, p. 294, pl. 1, fig. 17, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene),
Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, Hoshiarpur District, Punjab
and Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Bhattacharyya
1990, p. 112-113, Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene),
Churan Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites giganteus Song Zhichen 1985
Fig. 177
MycoBank No.: MB 519814.
Description (Song Zhichen 1985, p. 42): Spore ovate, holotype
60 x 44 m. Spore wall about 1 m in thickness, layers of spore
wall indistinct; surface scabrate or smooth, without distinct
ornamentation. Spore wall easily fractured, usually with
several fractures. Spore brownish black.
Fig. 177. Inapertisporites giganteus. Bar = 10 m.
80 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Dafengshan, Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, China.
Age: Middle - Late Miocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 10, pl. 1, fig. 1, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Inapertisporites globatus Sah & Kar 1974
Fig. 178
MycoBank No.: MB 519813.
Description (Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181): Spores subcircular,
inaperturate, 34-50 x 32-47 m. wall 3-6 m thick, not folded.
Fig. 178. Inapertisporites globatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Palana lignite).
Indian records: Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181, pl. 4, fig. 97, Palana
lignite (Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Species: Inapertisporites granulosus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 179
MycoBank No.: MB 106918.
Inapertisporites granulosus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 8. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45): Oval fungal spores;
size range 20-39 x 14-29 m; unicellate, inaperturate; spore
wall up to 1 m thick, occasionally slightly folded, granulose,
grana prominent, 1 m in size, sometimes large, imparting a
verrucose appearance, uniformly distributed.
Fig. 179. Inapertisporites granulosus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 8, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long.
69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites hammenii (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 180
MycoBank No.: MB 106919.
Inapertisporites hammenii Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 6. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45): Oval fungal spores;
size range 13-18 x 9-16 m; unicellate, inaperturate, spore wall
about 1 m thick, ornamented with very fine reticulum.
Fig. 180. Inapertisporites hammenii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45, pl. 2, figs. 6-7, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites indicus Gupta 2002
Fig. 181
MycoBank No.: MB 540593.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 128): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, inaperturate, variously subcircular, 6 x 4.5-6 (7 x
5) m, psilate wall 0.5 m thick.
Fig. 181. Inapertisporites indicus. Bar = 5 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 81
Locality: Dadahu Road Section (left bank of Giri River),
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 128, pl. 1, fig. 4, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites karii sp. nov.
Fig. 182
MycoBank No.: MB 519943.
Inapertisporites sp. in Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1), p.
46, pl. 2, fig. 10. 1984.
Description: Triangularly oval fungal spores with two
protuberances, main body of the spore 21-28 x 16-19 m in
size, outgrowths each 5 m long and 2.5 m wide; unicellate,
inaperturate. Spore wall 1.5 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 182. Inapertisporites karii. Bar = 20 m.
Holotype: Chandra et al. 1984, pl. 2, fig. 10; slide no. 6304/11,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 1757.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 10, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites kedvesii Elsik 1968
Fig. 183
MycoBank No.: MB 315797.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 268): Spherical, psilate, inaperturate
grains 28-38 m, larger in expanded state (seen in water
mounts of residue). Wall is very thin, ca. 0.2 m.
Characteristically folded several times in dry mounts.
Fig. 183. Inapertisporites kedvesii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181, pl. 4, fig. 96, Palana
lignite (Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan; Kar
& Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, fig. 23, pl. 4, fig. 47, Matanomadh
Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Kar 1979, p. 32, pl. 3, fig. 57, Maniyara Fort Formation
(Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near Sarangwara, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 109, pl. 2, fig. 33, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Dutta 1980, p. 13, pl. 1,
figs. 10-11, Siwalik equivalent (Middle Miocene), Misamari
Road Section, Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh; Kar &
Saxena 1981, p. 106, Middle -Late Eocene, bore core no. 27
near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Mehrotra 1983, p. 17, pl.
5, fig. 6, Mikir Formation (Palaeocene-Early Eocene),
Garampani, North Cachar Hills, Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1984a,
p. 98, pl. 2, fig. 36, Miocene, Ramshahr Well-1, Solan District,
Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Saxena 1984, p. 624, pl. 2, figs. 34-
35, Girujan Clay, Namsang and Dhekiajuli Formations
(Neogene), Jorajan Well-3, Assam; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Kar 1985, p. 130, Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria,
Kutch District, Gujarat; Saxena et al. 1988, p. 276, pl. 2, fig. 24,
Tatrot and Pinjor Formations (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur
Section, Ambala District, Haryana; Bhattacharya 1987, p. 120,
Early Eocene, Rajpardi, Broach District, Gujarat; Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 189, Lower Siwalik-Nahan and Upper
Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Pliocene), Kala Amb-Nahan Section,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p.
58, pl. 5, fig. 9, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan
area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Rajendran et al. 1989,
p. 41, 42, 43, 44, pl. 1, fig. 14, Miocene, Tonakkal, Kundra,
Padappakkara, Varkala, Edavai, Paravur, Kannur, Palayangadi,
Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p. 74, pl. 2, fig. 7, Therria Formation
(Palaeocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills
District, Meghalaya; Kar 1990a, p. 178, Surma and Tipam
groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole
No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura; Kar 1990b, p.
82 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
232, 233, 236, 238, Disang, Laisong, Jenam and Renji
formations (Palaeocene-Oligocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 112,
Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene), Churan Khad
and Manjhi Khad sections near Dharmsala, Kangra District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270, Ratnagiri
Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Singh 1990, p. 224, Tura Formation (Palaeocene),
Langrin Coalfield, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya; Kar & Bhattacharya
1992, p. 251, 252, Early Eocene, Rajpardi lignite, Bharuch
District and Gujra Dam Section and Akri lignite, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, pl. 1, fig. 15, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Kar et al. 1994, p. 187,
Tertiary, subsurface sediments in Upper Assam; Rao 1995, p.
233, pl. 1, fig. 7, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala;
Kumar 1996, p. 114, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene),
Rajpardi, Bharuch District, Gujarat; Saxena et al. 1996, mp. 21,
pl. 3, figs. 14-15, Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Nongwal Bibra
area, East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Chandra and Kumar
1998, p. 62, pl. 3, fig. 1, Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling
Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean; Mandaokar 1999,
p. 241, Disang Group (Late Eocene), Tirap River Section,
Tinsukia District, Assam; Mandaokar 2000a, p. 320, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near Chandmari,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, pl. 1, fig.
16, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery,
Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields, Dibrugarh District, Assam;
Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Namchik River Section, Changlang District,
Arunachal Pradesh; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra; Mandaokar 2002a, p. 116, Dulte
Formation (Early Miocene)), 2 km from Dulte village on Dulte-
Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2002b,
p. 21, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Borjan
Coalfield, Nagaland; Mandaokar 2002c, p. 79, Keifang
Formation (Early Miocene), eastern flank of Aizawl Hills,
Mizoram; Singh & Kar 2002, p. 214, Deccan Intertrappean
Beds (Palaeocene), 3 km northeast of Papro village, Lalitpur
District, Uttar Pradesh; Mandaokar 2003, p. 187, Middle
Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Lawngtlai, Chhimtuipui
District, Mizoram; Singh & Kar 2003, p. 219, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene), northeast of Papro, Lalitpur
District, Uttar Pradesh; Tripathi et al. 2003, p. 90, Akli
Formation (Late Palaeocene), Barmer Basin, Rajasthan;
Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong Sandstone (Late
Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills, Assam;
Mandaokar 2004, p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late
Miocene), Champhai area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram; Rao
2004, p. 124, pl. 3, fig. 6, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene),
Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Mandaokar
2005, p. 55, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Ledo
Colliery, Makum Coalfield, Assam; Singh & Tripathi 2010, p.
10, pl. 1, figs. 3, 8, Akli Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole
near Barakha, Barmer District, Rajasthan.
Species: Inapertisporites maximus (Singh & Saxena 1981)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 184
MycoBank No.: MB 483889.
Inapertisporites maximus Singh & Saxena, Geophytology
11(2), p. 176, pl. 1, fig. 19. 1981.
Inapertisporites sp. Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 2, fig. 3,
Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Meghalaya, India; Bhuban
Formation; Early Miocene.
Description (Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 176): Spores subcircular-
elliptical, sometime attain irregular shape due to folding,
unicellate, nonseptate; wall up to 1 m thick, psilate, irregularly
folded.
Fig. 184. Inapertisporites maximus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Gagret-Bharwain Road Section, Una District,
Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Pliocene-Pleistocene (Upper Siwalik).
Indian records: Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 176, pl. 1, fig. 19,
Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 189, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Kala
Amb-Nahan Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites minutus van der Hammen 1954a
Fig. 185
MycoBank No.: MB 332523.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 104): Spores 14 m;
minutely verrucose, scabrate or gemmate.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 83
Fig. 185. Inapertisporites minutus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Magdalena Valley, Eastern Cordellera, Colombia,
South America.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1984, p. 185, pl. 2, fig. 22, Middle
Siwalik (Early Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites miocenicus Singh et al. 1986
MycoBank No.: MB 131932.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000 [See: Quilonia miocenica (Singh et al. 1986)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000]
Species: Inapertisporites novus Gupta 2002
Fig. 186
MycoBank No.: MB 540594.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 128): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, inaperturate, variously subcircular to nearly
circular 65 x 49 to 100 x 81 m, minutely punctuate, surface
folded, wall up to 1 m thick.
Fig. 186. Inapertisporites novus. Bar = 25 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 128, pl. 1, fig. 5, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites ovalis (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 187
MycoBank No.: MB 111548.
Inapertisporites ovalis Sheffy & Dilcher, Palaeontographica
Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 38, pl. 15, fig. 3. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 38): Oval psilate fungal
spore, nonseptate, wall smooth 1.0 m thick. Size range 4.8 x
10.2 m - 7.7 x 14.5 m (two specimens).
Fig. 187. Inapertisporites ovalis. Bar = 7 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 48, pl. 2, fig. 20,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 185, pl. 2, fig. 26,
Lower-Upper Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Pliocene), Bhakra-
Nangal Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh
et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 2, fig. 14, Lubha Member, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Saxena
& Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 112, pl. 1, fig. 19, Dharmsala Group
(Oligocene-Early Miocene), Churan Khad Section near
Dharmsala, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar 1991,
p. 3, Kakara Series (Early Eocene), near Kakara-Chapla group
of villages, north of Gambhar River, Shimla District, Himachal
Pradesh; Sarkar et al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik (Late
Miocene), Bagh Rao, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand; Singh
& Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene),
Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Ranhotra
2009, p. 692, fig. 3.36, Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene),
5 km west of Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch
District, Gujarat.
84 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Inapertisporites punctatus Chandra et al. 1984,
non Rouse 1959
MycoBank No.: MB 106569.
Remarks: Inapertisporites punctatus Chandra et al. 1984 is
illegitimate, being a junior homonym of Inapertisporites
punctatus Rouse 1959, hence Gupta (1985) renamed it as
Inapertisporites udarii Gupta 1985.
Species: Inapertisporites quadrangularis (Chandra et al.
1984) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 188
MycoBank No.: MB 106920.
Inapertisporites quadrangularis Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 5. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45): Quadrangular fungal
spores, size 10 m, unicellate, inaperturate; spore wall psilate,
pigment medium to light.
Fig. 188. Inapertisporites quadrangularis. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 45, pl. 2, fig. 5, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Inapertisporites sahii sp. nov.
Fig. 189
MycoBank No.: MB 519944
Inapertisporites sp. in Sah & Kar, Palaeobotanist 21(2), p.
181, pl. 4, fig. 98. 1974.
Inapertisporites cf. kedvesii Elsik 1968 in Pathak & Banerjee
in Badve R. M. et al. (Editors) – Proceedings of the 10th
Indian Colloquium on Micropalaeontology and Stratigraphy,
Pune, 1982, Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of
Science, Pune, 247-248, pl. 1, fig. 1. 1984.
Description: Fungal spores subcircular, 51-60-78-90 m,
unicellate, inaperturate. Wall 1-2 m thick, not much folded.
Fig. 189. Inapertisporites sahii. Bar = 30 m.
Holotype: Sah & Kar 1974, pl. 4, fig. 98; slide no. 4366/13,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Palana lignite).
Indian records: Sah & Kar 1974, p. 181, pl.4, fig. 98, Palana
lignite (Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan;
Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 247-248, pl. 1, fig. 1, Geabdat
Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West Bengal.
Species: Inapertisporites sinhae Gupta 2002
Fig. 190
MycoBank No.: MB 540595.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 126): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, inaperturate, disc-shaped, 6 x 9-10 x 14 m, largely
granulate to sub-verrucose, wall < 0.5 m thick.
Fig. 190. Inapertisporites sinhae. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 1, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites subcapsularis (Sheffy & Dilcher
1971) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 191
MycoBank No.: MB 111555.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 85
Inapertisporites subcapsularis Sheffy & Dilcher,
Palaeontographica Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 38, pl. 15, fig. 4. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 38): Capsilate, psilate,
unicellular spore, inaperturate slightly constricted along one
side. Size ranges from 11.6 x 17.4 m - 17 x 26.6 m (three
specimens).
Fig. 191. Inapertisporites subcapsularis. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Singh & Saxena 1980, p. 278, Upper Siwalik
(Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road Section, Una
District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 176, pl. 1,
fig. 7, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites subovoideus (Sheffy & Dilcher
1971) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 192
MycoBank No.: MB 111557.
Inapertisporites subovoideus Sheffy & Dilcher,
Palaeontographica Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 38, pl. 15, fig. 7. 1971
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, 38): Egg-shaped
unicellular with flattened apex. Psilate, inaperturate, wall 0.5-
1.0 m thick. Size ranges from 4.8 x 9.2 m - 14.5 x 19.3 m
(three specimens).
Fig. 192. Inapertisporites subovoideus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 48, pl. 2, fig. 22,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri
Beds (Miocene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, pl. 1, fig. 7, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites subverrucatus Gupta 2002
Fig. 193
MycoBank No.: MB 540596.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 126): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, inaperturate, Subcircular, 14.5 x 13-21 x 19 m,
subverrucose and folded, folds irregular, wall ca. 0.5 m thick.
Fig. 193. Inapertisporites subverrucatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 126, 128, pl. 1, fig. 3, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites tiwarii Gupta 2002
Fig. 194
MycoBank No.: MB 540597.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 126): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, inaperturate. Circular-subcircular, 19.5 x 7.4-22
m, verrucose to pseudoreticulate, wall 1.5 m thick, The
bases of the verrucae tend to unite with neighbouring ones
to give a reticulate appearance, lumina 2.5-4 m.
86 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 194. Inapertisporites tiwarii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 2, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites trivedii (Ambwani 1982)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 195
MycoBank No.: MB 483899.
Inapertisporites trivedii Ambwani, Palaeobotanist 31(2), p.
29, pl. 1, fig. 1. 1982.
Description (Ambwani 1982, p. 29): Grains non-aperturate,
golden yellow in colour; shape oval to elongated, size 125 x
65 - 64 x 55 m; spore wall folded, punctate, discontinuous
striations present.
Fig. 195. Inapertisporites trivedii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kotta-Bommuru, near Rajahmundry, East Godavari
District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Ambwani 1982, p. 29, pl. 1, figs. 1-2,
Deccan Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-
Bommuru near Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra
Pradesh.
Species: Inapertisporites udarii Gupta 1985
Fig. 196
MycoBank No.: MB 133492.
Inapertisporites punctatus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 3. 1984, non Inapertisporites punctatus Rouse
1959.
Inapertisporites udarii Gupta, Geophytology 15(2), 226. 1985.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44): Subspherical to oval
fungal spores; size range 21-90 x 21-76 m; unicellate,
inaperturate; spore wall 0.5 m thick, punctate, puncta fine,
closely placed and uniformly distributed all over the spore
wall, irregularly folded.
Fig. 196. Inapertisporites udarii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 3 (Lat. 19°32.8'N: Long. 71°21.5'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 44, pl. 2, fig. 3, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Sediment core no. 3 (Lat. 19°32.8'N: Long. 71°21.5'E), Sediment
core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea; Gupta
1985, p. 226; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 189, Lower
Siwalik-Nahan (Middle-Late Miocene), Kala Amb-Nahan
Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1988,
p. 276, pl. 2, fig. 28, Pinjor Formation (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur
Section, Ambala District, Haryana; Saxena & Bhattacharyya
1990, p. 113, Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene),
Churan Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Remarks: The original binomial for this species
(Inapertisporites punctatus Chandra et al. 1984) is a junior
homonym of Inapertisporites punctatus Rouse 1959, and
therefore Gupta (1985, p. 226) proposed the new name,
Inapertisporites udarii.
Species: Inapertisporites variabilis van der Hammen 1954a
Fig. 197
MycoBank No.: MB 332525.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 104): Spores 17.5 x 31
m; psilate; in some parts much darker than in others.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 87
Fig. 197. Inapertisporites variabilis. Bar = 5 m.
Location: Magdalena Valley, Eastern Cordillera, Colombia,
South America.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 56, Late Tertiary,
Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean; Mandaokar 2004, p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Champhai area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram.
Species: Inapertisporites vulgaris (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 198
MycoBank No.: MB 111559.
Inapertisporites vulgaris Sheffy & Dilcher, Palaeontographica
Abt. B 133(1-3), p. 37, pl. 15, fig. 1. 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 37-38): Spherical spore,
unicellular, inaperturate, pigment solid, medium to dark;
diameter ranges from 6.8-14.5 m (ten specimens).
Fig. 198. Inapertisporites vulgaris. Bar = 7 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, Tennessee, Henry County, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene (Claiborne Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1980, p. 480, Pinjor Formation
(Late Pliocene), near Chandigarh; Singh & Saxena 1980, p.
278, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Saxena 1981,
p. 176, pl. 1, fig. 11, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-
Bharwain Road Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh;
Saxena & Singh 1982b, p. 330, pl. 1, fig. 14, Pinjor Formation
(Late Pliocene), near Chandigarh; Singh & Saxena 1984, p.
624, Girujan Clay and Namsang Formations (Neogene), Jorajan
Well-3, Assam; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 185, pl. 2, figs. 23-24,
Lower and Upper Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Pliocene), Bhakra-
Nangal Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Samant
& Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay
Basin, Gujarat; Gupta 2002, p. 128, Dagshai Formation (Late
Eocene-Early Oligocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Genus: Involutisporonites Clarke 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 21142.
Type species: Involutisporonites foraminus Clarke 1965.
Description (Clarke 1965, p. 91): Fungal spores planispiral,
individual cells lobate, septa simple with an opening through
each septum.
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 276-277): Monoporate,
psilate, multiseptate, coiled fungal spores.
Emended Description (here proposed): Fungal spores coiled,
transversely septate, multicellate, individual cells of variable
shapes, septal pores may or may not be present. Terminal
cell, if present, may have a single pore. Spore wall generally
psilate to variously ornamented.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Involutisporonites chowdhryi (Jain & Kar 1979)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 199
MycoBank No.: MB 483410.
Colligerites chowdhryi Jain & Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(2), p.
110, pl. 2, fig. 30. 1979.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 110): Spores multicellular,
coiled once in the centre, generally keeping a hollow space.
Cells smaller in centre and bigger in outer region. Spore wall
granulose. Pores present or absent in cells.
Fig. 199. Involutisporonites chowdhryi. Bar = 10 m.
88 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Papanasam, Varkala District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Species: Involutisporonites kutchensis Kar & Saxena 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 112379.
Remarks: Jain and Kar (1979) transferred this species to
Colligerites Jain & Kar 1979 [See: Colligerites kutchensis
(Kar & Saxena 1976) Jain & Kar 1979].
Species: Involutisporonites wilcoxii Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 315918.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Paleoslimacomyces Kalgutkar & Sigler 1995 [See:
Paleoslimacomyces wilcoxii (Elsik 1968) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
K
Genus: Kalviwadithyrites Rao 2003 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 519802.
Type species: Kalviwadithyrites saxenae Rao 2003 (nom.
inval.).
Description (Rao 2003, p. 118): Cleistothecium subcircular to
circular in shape, dimidiate, non-ostiolate. Two types of cells
present, pores absent. No hyphae present. Marginal cells
rectangular to polygonal in shape, larger in size, covers outer
part; central cells thickness 2 or 3 layered, squarish and
isodiametric.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Rao (2003) did not validly publish the generic name
Kalviwadithyrites as he did not cite information on where
the holotype of its type species is stored (McNeill et al. 2006:
Art. 37.7).
Species: Kalviwadithyrites saxenae Rao 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 200
MycoBank No.: MB 519803.
Description (Rao 2003, p. 118): Cleistothecium circular- sub-
circular. Size range 105-115 x 95-110 m. Dimidiate, non-
ostiolate, No free hyphae. Fruiting body made up of two sets
of cells, pores absent. Marginal cells rectangular to polygonal
in shape, 9-12 x 10-17 m in diameter, light brown in colour.
Central cells thickness 2 or 3 layered, squarish and
isodiametric, 4-10 m in diameter, darker in colour.
Locality: Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India.
Age: Miocene (Sindhudurg Formation).
Indian records: Rao 2003, p. 118, pl. 1, figs. 1-3, text-fig. 2,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 2, figs. 11-12,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Fig. 200. Kalviwadithyrites saxenae. Bar = 25 m.
Remarks: Rao (2003) did not validly publish
Kalviwadithyrites saxenae as he did not cite information on
where its holotype is stored (McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Genus: Koshalia Sarkar & Prasad 2003
MycoBank No.: MB 519804.
Type species: Koshalia enigmata Sarkar & Prasad 2003.
Description (Sarkar & Prasad 2003, p. 114): (Diagnosis):
Thyriothecia subspherical, multilayered, 90-150 m in diameter,
9-10 cells arranged in compact rings around an ostiole, marginal
cells extremely large, Size 35-45 x 65-85 m, inner cells small,
subcircular, size 8-15 x 10-20 m. (Description): Thyriothecia
subspherical, multicellular, multilayered, cells arranged in
compact rings, number of rings three, ostiolate, ostiole centric,
circular, 6-10 m in diameter, 3-4 dark coloured cells present
around the ostiole, individual cells radially arranged,
interconnected to form a shield-shaped body, marginal cells
extremely large, broader than long, cell wall thickened on the
ventral surface, cell wall scabrate to infrapunctate. Perforation
in individual cells absent.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Koshalia enigmata Sarkar & Prasad 2003
Fig. 201
MycoBank No.: MB 519805.
Description (Sarkar & Prasad 2003, p. 114): (Diagnosis):
Thyriothecia subspherical, multicellular, multilayered, 9-10
cells arranged in compact rings, 3-4 cells in each layer, ostiolate,
marginal cells extremely large, overall size range 90-150 m in
diameter. (Description): Thyriothecia subspherical,
multilayered, overall size range 90-150 m in diameter,
multicellular, 9-10 cells arranged in compact rings to form a
shield-shaped body, 3-4 cells arranged radially around an
ostiole in each layer, ostiole centric, 6-10/-1m in diameter,
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 89
margin thickened, inner cells subcircular, small, thick walled,
marginal cells extremely large, cell wall thin, scabrate to
infrapunctate. Perforation absent in individual cells.
Fig. 201. Koshalia enigmata. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Koshalia Nala near Koti, Shimla Hills, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Ypresian (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Sarkar & Prasad 2003, p. 114-115, pl. 1, figs. 1-
4, Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian), Koshalia Nala near Koti,
Shimla Hills, Himachal Pradesh.
Genus: Kumarisporites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28619’
Type species: Kumarisporites ramanujamii (Kumar 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 20): Small to medium-sized
tricellate, inaperturate fungal spores; central cell may be larger
than the tapering terminal cells; septa (or septal bases) thicker
than spore wall; spore wall ornamented by longitudinal ribs
running full length of the spore, tapering towards the poles.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Kumarisporites ramanujamii (Kumar 1990)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 202
MycoBank No.: MB 483411.
Imprimospora ramanujamii Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 63, p. 20, pl. 1, fig. 5. 1990.
Description: Fungal spores tricellate, inaperturate and
fusiform. Size 32-40 x 18-21 m. Septa 1.6-2 m thick, with or
without a central pore. Central cell large, 11-13 x 16-19 m,
terminal cells smaller, 9-10 m long, with narrowly rounded
ends. Spore wall ± 1.5 m thick and ornamented with
longitudinal ribs (about 2 m wide) that run full length but are
more pronounced on central cell. Furrows 1-2 m wide.
Fig. 202. Kumarisporites ramanujamii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Clay mine section near Kanjantheria House,
Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene (Quilon Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 131, pl. 2, fig.
28, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Kumar
1990, p. 20-21, pl. 1, fig. 5, text-fig. 10, Quilon Beds (Miocene),
clay mine section near Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara,
Kollam District, Kerala.
Genus: Kutchiathyrites Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 21145.
Type species: Kutchiathyrites eccentricus Kar 1979.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 32): (Diagnosis): Ascostromata
eccentric in development, no free hyphae present, dimidiate,
nonostiolate, radially arranged hyphae thick, dark, diverging
from one another, transverse hyphae comparatively thinner,
± translucent, interconnecting radial ones to form squarish,
pseudoparenchymatous cells without any pore. (Description):
Microthyriaceous ascostromata of approximately semicircular
shape in most specimens, in others they look like fish scales,
size range 64-110 x 41-73 m. Upper surface of ascostromata
darker than inner one; radial hyphae also well pronounced in
former. Radial hyphae look like dark strands; transverse
hyphae ill-developed, sometimes hardly discernable at places.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 157):
Hilate conidia, fan shaped, formed by numerous linear
filaments radiating out from the hilum; conidia may be
flattened (i.e. two-) or three dimensional; filaments may be
joined to their neighbours, or partially free, and may branch
towards the periphery; hilum may or may not show the stipe
from which it developed.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
90 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Kutchiathyrites eccentricus Kar 1979
Fig. 203
MycoBank No.: MB 112385.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 32): Microthyriaceous ascostromata
eccentrically developed, 64-110 x 41-73 m. Stromata dimidiate,
nonostiolate; radial hyphae diverging, dark, better-developed
than transverse ones; hyphae interconnecting each other to
form squarish, nonporate, pseudoparenchymatous cells.
Fig. 203. Kutchiathyrites eccentricus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Barkhana nala cutting, Sarangwara; Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Oligocene (Maniyara Fort Formation).
Indian records: Kar 1979, p. 32, pl. 3, figs. 49-52, Maniyara
Fort Formation (Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near
Sarangwara, Kutch District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 107,
pl. 1, fig. 15, pl. 2, fig. 23, Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala,
Kerala; Kar & Saxena 1981, p. 115, Middle-Late Eocene, bore
core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Pathak &
Banerjee 1984, p. 250, 254, pl. 2, fig. 25, Geabdat Sandstone
(Neogene), Darjeeling District, West Bengal; Kar 1985, p. 130,
Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat;
Bhattacharya 1987, p. 120, Early Eocene, Rajpardi, Broach
District, Gujarat; Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 266, pl. 2, fig. 11,
Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 41, 42, 43, pl. 1, fig. 17, Miocene,
Tonakkal, Padappakkara, Edavai, Kerala; Kar 1990a, p. 179, pl.
8, fig. 121, Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia
Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole
No. 2, Tripura; Kar 1990b, p. 238, Renji Formation (Late
Oligocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam; Saxena &
Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Kar &
Bhattacharya 1992, p. 251, pl. 2, fig. 37, Rajpardi lignite (Early
Eocene), Bharuch District, Gujarat; Saxena & Khare 1992, p.
37, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram
Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Kar et al. 1994, p.
187, Tertiary, subsurface sediments in Upper Assam; Singh &
Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Rao 1995, p. 233, Tertiary,
Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala; Saxena & Rao 1996, p.
46, Boldamgiri Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia
Road near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya;
Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52, Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road
area, Kollam District, Kerala; Rao 2000, p. 295, Kherapara
Formation (Oligocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section near
Kherapara, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Saxena 2000,
p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 3, fig.
15, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra, Kar et a. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Kutchiathyrites mehrotrae sp. nov.
Fig. 204
MycoBank No.: MB 519945.
Kutchiathyrites sp. in Singh et al., Palaeobotanist 35(1), p.
97, pl. 1, figs. 11-12. 1986.
Description: Ascomata ± semicircular in shape, some
specimens look like fish scales, eccentric in development.
Size range 88-110 x 67-75 m. Nonostiolate. No free hyphae
present, dimidiate. Radially arranged hyphae thick, dark,
diverging from one another; transverse hyphae comparatively
thinner, interconnecting radial ones forming squarish,
pseudoparenchymatous cells without having any pore. Some
specimens exhibit development of spines from the marginal
cells.
Fig. 204. Kutchiathyrites mehrotrae. Bar = 40 m.
Holotype: Singh et al. 1986, pl. 1, fig. 11; slide no. 8110, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam, India.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 91
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 1, figs. 11-12,
Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam.
Species: Kutchiathyrites perfectus (Kar et al. 2010) comb.
nov.
Fig. 205
MycoBank No.: MB 519897.
Dictyostromata perfecta Kar et al., Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 158, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 6. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Stromata with two lateral
sides divergent from each other, outer margin convex, slightly
undulated due to pseudoreticulation, 35 –42 x 23–37 m;
haustorium present or absent, 4–7 x 2 –3 m, hyaline, no
septa observed, stromata generally conical at attachment
zone; radial hyphae stronger than transverse hyphae,
anastomose to develop pseudoreticulation, meshes square-
rectangular; faint at basal region.
Fig. 205. Kutchiathyrites perfectus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 6, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
L
Genus: Lacrimasporonites Clarke 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 21146.
Type species: Lacrimasporonites levis Clarke 1965.
Description (Clarke 1965, p. 87): Fungal spores unicellular
(amerospores), elliptical (tear-shaped), hilate or monoporate,
cell wall psilate.
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 273): Monoporate,
nonseptate, psilate fungal spores. Spatulate to elliptical. Pore
apical.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 161):
Unicellate, mostly medium-sized, spatulate to lacrimate, rarely
approaching elliptical, smooth-walled fungal spores; with a
flat hilar scar at one end, and a round pore at the opposite end
of the spore.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Lacrimasporonites basidii Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 316200.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Monoporisporites van der Hammen 1954a [See:
Monoporisporites basidii (Elsik 1968) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Lacrimasporonites bellus Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106961.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Monoporisporites van der Hammen 1954a [See:
Monoporisporites bellus (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Lacrimasporonites levis Clarke 1965
Fig. 206
MycoBank No.: MB 332866.
Description (Clarke 1965, p. 87): Fungal spores unicellular
(amerosporous), elliptical, hilate or monoporate, “pore”
diameter 1-2 m, cell wall psilate, 1 m thick, overall dimensions
12-15 x 20-27 m.
Fig. 206. Lacrimasporonites levis. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Canon City Coalfield, Fremont County, Colorado,
U.S.A.
Age: Late Cretaceous.
Indian records: Mandaokar 2000a, p. 320, Bhuban Formation
(Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near Chandmari, Aizawl District,
Mizoram.
Species: Lacrimasporonites longus Kar 1979
MycoBank No.: MB 112387.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Didymoporisporonites Sheffy & Dilcher 1971 [See:
92 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Didymoporisporonites longus (Kar 1979) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Lacrimasporonites magnus Saxena & Singh 1982
MycoBank No.: MB 485266.
Remarks: Lacrimasporonites magnus Saxena & Singh 1982
is illegitimate, being a junior homonym of Lacrimasporonites
magnus Haseldonckx 1973. Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000)
transferred this species to Didymoporisporonites Sheffy &
Dilcher 1971 with a new specific epithet (See:
Didymoporisporonites gigas Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000).
Species: Lacrimasporonites niger Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126565.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Monoporisporites van der Hammen 1954a [See:
Monoporisporites niger (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Lacrimasporonites ovaliformis Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106962.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Monoporisporites van der Hammen (1954) [See:
Monoporisporites ovaliformis (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Lirasporis Potonié & Sah 1960
MycoBank No.: MB 21154.
Type Species: Lirasporis intergranifer Potonié & Sah 1960.
Description (Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 132): Size varies from 69
x 103 m to 116 x 134 m; outline oval, longitudinal ends of
oval broadly rounded or somewhat tapering, sometimes
showing irregular protuberances which form a jumbled mass;
extrema lineamenta somewhat smooth except the longitudinal
ends which are always nearly notched; following the longer
axis exist perhaps 20-30 parallel but narrow ribs showing
between them spaced grana.
Emended Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108): Fungal bodies
oval-elliptical with equal or unequal, broad, generally notched
ends. Mycelia, long, septate, ± parallel to one another,
extending from one end to other; wall generally laevigate,
sometimes granulose.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Lirasporis elongatus Kar 1990 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 207
MycoBank No.: MB 519798.
Description (Kar 1990, p. 196): Fungal bodies oval with
elongated ends, 135 x 60 m, broader in the middle and tapering
at lateral sides. Mycelia longitudinally and transversally
septate, spore wall laevigate.
Fig. 207. Lirasporis elongatus. Bar = 35 m.
Locality: Rokhia borehole; Tripura, North-east India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Kar 1990, p. 196, pl. 8, figs. 116-117, Surma
and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia
Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 58, 60, pl. 1, figs. 11, 15, Late Tertiary,
Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean.
Remarks: Kar (1990) did not validly publish “Lirasporis
elongatus” as he did not cite information on where its type is
stored (McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Lirasporis intergranifer Potonié & Sah 1960
Fig. 208
MycoBank No.: MB 519797.
Description (Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 132): Ribs much more
narrow than the canals between them; in the canals sparse
grana more or less regularly distributed in distances, perhaps
a little greater than the breadth of the canals and always only
a single granum between the two adjoining ribs; about 10-20
grana in each canal along the longer axis. Holotype: 82 x 109
m; perhaps 20 ribs on the exposed surface; 16-20 grana in an
entire canal; chiefly at one of the longitudinal ends the exine
is jumbled to form irregular rounded protuberances (such as
illustrated by Samoilovich 1953, pl. 9, fig. 4a, in Vittatina
subsaccata; and Bolkhovitina 1953, pl. 9, fig. 18, in
Welwitschiapites magniolobatus; and as has been observed
in Ephedra).
Emended Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108): Oval-elliptical
fungal bodies, 112-154 x 65-113 m; ends equally or unequally
broad, generally notched at one or both ends. Mycelia distinct,
run from end to end, septate; wall mostly smooth.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 93
Fig. 208. Lirasporis intergranifer. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kannur District, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene to Pliocene.
Indian records: Potonié & Sah 1960, p. 131-132, pl. 4, figs. 32-
33, Cannanore lignite (Late Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108, pl. 2, fig. 25, pl. 3, fig. 50, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984,
p. 250, pl. 2, fig. 23, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling
District, West Bengal; Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 1, fig. 13,
Lubha Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam; Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 44, pl. 1, figs. 5, 12,
Miocene, Palayangadi, Kerala; Rao 1990, p. 248, pl. 3, fig. 14,
Eocene-Early Miocene, Arthungal Borehole, Alleppey District,
Kerala; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Rao 1995, p. 233, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur
districts, Kerala; Rao 1996, p. 156, Early Miocene, Turavur
Borehole near Panchayat L.P. School, west of N.H. 47 between
380 and 381 km, Alleppey District, Kerala; Saxena & Rao 1996,
p. 46, Boldamgiri Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-
Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District,
Meghalaya; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52, Miocene, Kannanellur-
Kundra Road area, Kollam District, Kerala; Saxena 2000, p.
163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 3, fig.
12, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg
District.
Genus: Lithomucorites Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541689.
Type species: Lithomucorites miocenicus Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Fungal sporangia,
apophysate, flask shaped, subcircular–circular in shape, size
range 25–52 x 22 –49 m, sometimes with sporangiophore.
Wall about 1 m thick, closely ornamented with bacula–pila
and verrucae, translucent–light brown, some could be made
up of calcium oxalate, 2–5 m in length, closely placed on
both sides to provide negative reticulum on surface view; no
slit on sporangia observed.
Classification: Zygomycetes.
Species: Lithomucorites miocenicus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 209
MycoBank No.: MB 542279.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Sporangia subcircular
with serrated margin due to heavy ornamentation, mostly occur
in dispersed condition, 32 –28 x 26–40 m, flask shaped,
sporangia wall about 1 m thick, ornamented with bacula–
pila, and verrucae, pila–bacula 3–5 m height, closely placed
to form pseudoreticulate structure.
Fig. 209. Lithomucorites miocenicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 1, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Lithopolyporales Kar et al. 2003 (nom. inval.).
MycoBank No.: MB 28754.
Type species: Lithopolyporales zeerabadensis Kar et al. 2003
(by monotypy).
Description (Kar et al. 2003, p. 37-38): The fruiting body is
macroscopic, conspicuous, shelf-like and effused refluxed.
The texture appears to be tough and leathery. The fruiting
basidiocarp or ‘conks’ as they are occasionally called are
94 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
perennial as evidenced by the presence of zonation in the
section. They were sessile. In the section, minute hyphal
strands forming the network could be seen; scattered between
were found tiny dot-like spores - presumably the
basidiospores.
Classification: Aphyllophorales Polyporaceae.
Remarks: This genus is not validly published, as the only
species assigned to it is not validly published.
Species: Lithopolyporales zeerabadensis Kar et al. 2003
(nom. inval.).
Fig. 210
MycoBank No.: MB 484156.
Description (Kar et al. 2003, p. 37-38): As for the genus
(combined description).
Fig. 210. Lithopolyporales zeerabadensis. Bar = 25 m.
Locality: Zeerabad, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Age: Maastrichtian (Lameta Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2003, p. 37-38, figs. 3-5, Lameta
Formation (Maastrichtian), Zeerabad, Dhar District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Remarks: This species is not validly published, as neither
its type is indicated nor slide numbers and repository of the
figured specimens are mentioned. This species is found in
association with angiospermic fossil-woods and is
comparable to the fossil forms, viz. Fomes idahoensis Brown,
reported from the late Tertiary of south-western Idaho, U.S.A.
Genus: Lithosporocarpia Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541690.
Type species: Lithosporocarpia cephala Kar et al. 2010.
Generic Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Sporocarps
subcircular–circular, 22–48 x 20–45 m, often with
chlamydospores, chlamydospores stalked, subcircular;
sporocarp wall up to 2 m thick, hyphae forming reticulation
on both sides.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Lithosporocarpia cephala Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 211
MycoBank No.: MB 542280.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Sporocarps generally
subcircular with uneven margin due to projection of hyphae,
28–30 x 26–32 m, hyphae forms regular reticulation on both
surfaces, meshes mostly square in shape, sometimes
rectangular. Chlamydospore present, one chlamydospore
found on each sporocarp, chlamydospore subcircular, 10–22
x 8–20 m, dark brown, laevigate, with a small stalk and globular
head.
Fig. 211. Lithosporocarpia cephala. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 6, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Genus: Lithouncinula Sharma et al. 2005 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 29098.
Type species: Lithouncinula lametaensis Sharma et al. 2005
(nom. inval.).
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 75): (Diagnosis):
Cleistotheca subcircular-circular, size range 51-87 m,
reticulate, dark, with appendages of various sizes, appendages
invariably circinate, rarely septate. (Description): C1eistotheca
generally very dark obscuring reticulate structure;
appendages robust, 18-20 in number. About half have double
the length of the rest, coiled at tip, rarely 1-2 septate.
Remarks: Sharma et al. (2005) proposed the generic name
Lithouncinula, but neither mentioned slide number nor
repository of the holotype. The generic name, and also the
name of its type species (Lithouncinula lametaensis Sharma
et al. 2005), are therefore not validly published (ICBN: Art.
37.7, McNeill et al. 2006).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 95
Species: Lithouncinula lametaensis Sharma et al. 2005
(nom. inval.)
Fig. 212
MycoBank No.: MB 529806.
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76): C1eistotheca
subcircular, dense, ornamentation not seen. Appendages of
different sizes, 15-20 in number, conspicuous, circinoid,
generally not septate.
Fig. 212. Lithouncinula lametaensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Pisdura, Maharashtra, India.
Age: Maastrichtian (Lameta Formation).
Indian records: Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 2, Lameta
Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura, Maharashtra, India.
Remarks: While proposing the new species, Lithouncinula
lametaensis, Sharma et al. (2005) made no mention of holotype
slide and its repository, hence the species name is not validly
published (ICBN: Art. 37.7, McNeill et al. 2006).
M
Genus: Mathurisporites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28620.
Type Species: Mathurisporites ellipticus (Mathur & Mathur
1969) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 166): Medium-
sized hilate spores, generally consisting of a darker central
part with 2-4(-6) cells, and proximal and distal parts of a single
to few hyaline cells. No distal pore. Septa distinct, as thick as,
or thicker than, the spore wall. Differs from Pluricellaesporites
in the swollen dark central cells.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Mathurisporites ellipticus (Mathur & Mathur
1969) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 213
MycoBank No.: MB 483417.
Pluricellaesporites ellipticus Mathur & Mathur, Bulletin of
the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India 42,
p. 3, pl. 1, fig. 2. 1969.
Description (Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 3): Surface view.
Spores four celled, stalked, broadly elliptical in shape. 39.5 x
19.6 m, central cells bigger than end ones. Exine ca. 1 m
thick, brown.
Fig. 213. Mathurisporites ellipticus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Naera and Baraia, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Pliocene.
Indian records: Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 3, pl. 1, fig. 2,
Pliocene, Naera and Baraia, Kutch District, Gujarat; Kar et al.
1994, p. 187, Tertiary, subsurface sediments in Upper Assam;
Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Namchik River Section, Changlang District,
Arunachal Pradesh.
Genus: Meliola Fries 1825
MycoBank No.: MB 3100.
Type Species: Meliola nidulans (Schweinitz ex Fries) Cooke
1882.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Erysiphales.
Species: Meliola anfracta Dilcher 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 484071.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Meliolinites Selkirk 1975 [See: Meliolinites
anfractus (Dilcher 1965) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Meliolinites Selkirk 1975
MycoBank No.: MB 21162.
Type Species: Meliolinites spinksii (Dilcher 1965) Selkirk 1975.
Description (Selkirk 1975, p. 70): Fossil fungal colonies.
Mycelium and spores with general characteristics of members
of Meliolaceae. Mycelial setae absent. Information regarding
perithecial structure and nature of perithecial appendages
uncertain or lacking.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Erysiphales.
96 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Meliolinites anfractus (Dilcher 1965) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 214
MycoBank No.: MB 483419.
Meliola anfracta Dilcher, Palaeontographica Abt. B. 116, p.
7, pl. 2, fig. 2, 8. 1965.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 7): Colonies 1-3 mm in diameter,
subdense to dense. Hyphal cells 4-9 x 14-37 m. Lateral walls
of hyphae sinuous; often the hyphae appear undulating.
Capitate hyphopodia 10-15 x 14-28 m, generally alternate,
occasionally unilateral, rarely opposite, may spread straight
out from the hyphae but usually stalk cells noticeably bent
disposing the hyphopodia distally. Stalk cells 5-11 x 4-11 m,
generally cylindrical with straight or undulating lateral walls,
rarely cuneate. Head cells 10-15 x 10-17 m, rarely entire or
angular, most often lobate. Mycelial setae 3-6 m wide and
300 m long, absent to moderately abundant, scattered, arise
directly from hyphal cells and arch upward, straight to slightly
curved, apex not seen. Spores 20 x 50 m, slightly bent, psilate,
3-septate (4 celled), may produce hyphae from any or all of
the 4 cells, 2 central cells largest, 2 smaller end cells have
rounded ends. No mucronate hyphopodia or perithecia found.
Found only on upper epidermis of Sapindus sp.
Fig. 214. Meliolinites anfractus. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 109, pl. 3, fig. 51, Neogene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
Species: Meliolinites nivalis Selkirk 1975
Fig. 215
MycoBank No.: MB 317537.
Description (Selkirk 1975, p. 71): Colonies up to 3 mm across.
Hyphae straight, branches alternate (unilateral where
crowded), antrorse, forming dense reticulum. Hyphal cells
19-34 m long and 7-11 m wide. Capitate hyphopodia
alternate, unilateral where crowded, antrorse at ca. 60° to
hyphae or widely spreading, 22-39 m long. Stalk cells
cylindrical, often slightly expanded distally, rarely almost
cuneate, 5-15.5 m long and 6-11 m wide; head cells
irregularly globose, 14-26 m long and 11-23 m wide. Spores
smooth, straight, oblong with rounded ends, 3-septate,
slightly constricted, 62-72.5 m long and ca. 18 m wide.
Hyphal walls 1.5-2.5 m thick, cross-septa have a distinct
pore of 2-2.5 m in diameter. About half of the distal ends of
hyphal cells bear capitate hyphopodia. Most head cells
globose, but their wall often sinuate, at times even lobate;
pore present between head and stalk cells; no mucronate
hyphopodia. Head cells show distinct pore in lower surfaces,
from which a hyaline (haustorial) tube extends through the
cuticle.
Fig. 215. Meliolinites nivalis. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Reddy et al. 1982, p, 112, pl. 1, figs. 1-3, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 262, pl. 1, fig. 1, Miocene, Tonakkal,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Meliolinites spinksii (Dilcher 1965) Selkirk 1975
Fig. 216
MycoBank No.: MB 317538.
Meliolinites spinksii Dilcher, Palaeontographica Abt. B., 116,
p. 8, pl. 3, fig. 12. 1965.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 8): Only young colonies found;
mature colonies probably thin. Hyphae straight, branch
oppositely to alternately at right angles. Hyphal cells 5-9 x 14-
50 m, produce capitate hyphopodia laterally at distal ends
of the cells. Capitate hyphopodia 5-10 x 10-18 m, opposite or
occasionally unilateral, generally antrorse. Stalk cells 4-9 x 2-
5 m, somewhat cuneate to cylindrical. Head cells 5-10 x 8-13
m, entire, oblong to ovoid. Mucronate hyphopodia 5-7 x 11-
18 m, taper gradually, opposite. Spores 12-15 x 37-43 m, 4-
septate (5-celled), psilate, linearly arranged, middle cell often
largest, end cells rounded, hyphae originate from any or all of
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 97
the 5 cells. Found only on the lower epidermis of
Chrysobalanus sp.
Fig. 216. Meliolinites spinksii. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 60, pl. 1, fig. 7, Late
Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal
Fan, Indian Ocean.
Species: Meliolinites tlangsamensis (Kar et al. 2010) comb.
nov.
Fig. 217
MycoBank No.: MB 519899.
Meliostroma tlangsamensis Kar et al., Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 158, p. 246, pl. 1, figs. 10-11. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Fungal stromata
subcircular-circular, 26-36 x 24-32 m, generally with hyphae
of two types-two celled, globular, capitate hyphopodia and
one celled, bottle shaped mucronate hyphopodia. Stromata
reticulate on both sides forming square–rectangular meshes.
Fig. 217. Meliolinites tlangsamensis. Bar = 10 m.
Type locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 1, figs. 10-11, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Genus: Meliostroma Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541693.
Type species: Meliostroma tlangsamensis Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Fungal stromata with
mycelia, 25-38 x 22-36 m, subcircular-circular in shape, dark
brown, hyphae forming reticulation on both sides, stromata
bear capitate and mucronate hyphopodia.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Erysiphales.
Remarks: Kar et al. (2010) proposed the new genus
Meliostroma, which is identical to Meliolinites Selkirk 1975
and therefore considered here its junior synonym.
Species: Meliostroma tlangsamensis Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 542282.
Remarks: Since Meliostroma is considered here a junior
synonym of Meliolinites Selkirk 1975, Meliostroma
tlangsamensis Kar et al. 2010 is being transferred to
Meliolinites Selkirk 1975 [See: Meliolinites tlangsamensis
(Kar et al. 2010) comb. nov.]
Genus: Microthallites Dilcher 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 21165.
Type Species: Microthallites lutosus Dilcher 1965.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 16): Stroma radiate, more or less
round, lacks free hyphae, ostiolate or non-ostiolate. Spores
unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Microthallites Dilcher 1965 is a junior synonym
of Phragmothyrites Edwards 1922 (Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000).
Species: Microthallites cooksoniae Rao & Ramanujam
1976
MycoBank No.: MB 317729.
Remarks: Since Microthallites Dilcher 1965 is a junior
synonym of Phragmothyrites Edwards 1922, Kalgutkar and
Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Phragmothyrites
[See: Phragmothyrites cooksoniae (Rao & Ramanujam 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Microthallites lutosus Dilcher 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 334294.
Remarks: Kar and Saxena (1976) transferred Microthallites
lutosus Dilcher 1965 to Phragmothyrites Edwards 1922 [See:
Phragmothyrites lutosus (Dilcher 1965) Kar & Saxena 1976].
Species: Microthallites spinulatus Dilcher 1965
MycoBank No.: MB 334295.
98 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Microthallites spinulatus Dilcher 1965 to Asterothyrites
Cookson 1947 [See: Asterothyrites spinulatus (Dilcher 1965)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Microthyriacites Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 21166.
Type Species: Microthyriacites grandis Cookson 1947.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 210): Ascomata radiate and
dimidiate. Information regarding the presence of a free
mycelium either uncertain or wanting; ascospores unknown.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 170):
Astomate ascomata composed of two parts: a central part of
more or less equidimensional squarish to hexagonal cells with
little or no radial pattern, that tend to have thick walls;
surrounded by a broad zone of hyphae composed of more
elongate cells that are interconnected to form a
pseudoparenchymatous fabric with a distinct radial pattern.
Phragmothyrites may have one or only a few squarish to
hexagonal central cells, from which radial hyphae extend.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Microthyriacites cooksoniae Rao 1958
Fig. 218
MycoBank No.: MB 317739.
Description (Rao 1958, p. 45): Thyriothecia flat, slightly
dimidiate and orbicular or shield-shaped, 145-245 m in
diameter, central region of thick-walled compact cells, outer
region of elongated, thin-walled cells.
Fig. 218. Microthyriacites cooksoniae. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Palana lignite, Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan,
India; Warkalli lignite, Warkalli, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala, India.
Age: Early Eocene and Miocene respectively.
Indian records: Rao 1958, p. 45, pl. 1, figs. 12-13, Palana lignite
(Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan; Warkalli
lignite (Miocene), Warkalli, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
Species: Microthyriacites edwardsii Rao 1958
MycoBank No.: MB 317741.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Phragmothyrites Edwards 1922 [See:
Phragmothyrites edwardsii (Rao 1958) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Microthyriacites ramanujamii Saxena & Misra
1990
Fig. 219
MycoBank No.: MB 483355.
Description (Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 268): Ascostromata
circular to subcircular, non-ostiolate, size range 110-126 x 90-
95 m, hyphae radiating, forming pseudoparenchymatous,
small thickened central cells and larger, rectangular to squarish
outer cells, cells aporate, margin thin and wavy.
Fig. 219. Microthyriacites ramanujamii
Locality: Amberiwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra,
India.
Age: Miocene (Ratnagiri Beds)
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 268, pl. 2, fig. 13,
Miocene, Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Rao 2004, p. 124, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Species: Microthyriacites sahnii Rao 1958
Fig. 220
MycoBank No.: MB 317743.
Description (Rao 1958, p. 43-44): Thyriothecia flat, superficial,
dimidiate, up to 250 m in diameter, with radially arranged
squarish or rectangular cells, peripheral cells smaller, cells
with one or more small aperture-like areas. No mycelia or
ostiole clearly seen.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 99
Fig. 220. Microthyriacites sahnii. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan, India.
Age: Eocene
Indian records: Rao 1958, p. 44, pl. 1, figs. 3-6, Palana Lignite
(Early Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan
Genus: Microthyriella Höhnel 1909
MycoBank No.: MB 3202.
Type Species: Microthyriella rickii (Rehm) Höhnel 1909.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Microthyriella diporata Rao & Ramanujam 1976
Fig. 221
MycoBank No.: MB 317745.
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 101): Free mycelium
lacking. Ascomata flattened, irregular in shape, highly variable
in size, ranging between 50-150 m; cells of the ascomata 5-10
m in diameter, pentagonal to hexagonal, irregularly arranged
and porate, pores mostly two per cell, 2.5-3.5 m wide, circular
and randomly disposed.
Fig. 221. Microthyriella diporate. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli Beds)
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 101-102, pl. 2, fig.
15, Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Late Miocene), Warkalli, Kerala.
Genus: Milesites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 28627.
Type Species: Milesites irregularis Ramanujam & Ramachar
1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 81):
Urediniospores obscurely pedicellate, obovoid, lanceolate or
of irregular configuration; wall thin, hyaline or very light
coloured, smooth or finely sculptured, germ pores few, faint.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Uredinales.
Species: Milesites irregularis Ramanujam & Ramachar
1980
Fig. 222
MycoBank No.: MB 483755.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 81):
Urediniospores lanceolate, or irregularly shaped, 30-45 x 12-
20 m; wall up to 1.5 m thick, smooth or finely flecked, almost
hyaline; germ pores few, indistinct. Holotype 45 x 13 m.
Fig. 222. Milesites irregularis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Neyveli lignite, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 81, pl. 1,
figs. 1-2, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Genus: Mohgaonidium Singhai 1974
MycoBank No.: MB 21168.
Type Species: Mohgaonidium deccanii Singhai 1974.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 95): Pycnidia small, brown, thick
walled, ostiolate, oval or more or less globose; conidia faintly
brown, 1-celled, ovoid or ellipsoidal; conidiophores short and
simple.
100 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales
Species: Mohgaonidium deccani Singhai 1974
Fig. 223
MycoBank No.: MB 317788.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 97): Pycnidia ostiolate, small,
oval or globose, brown, 56-96 x 52-72 m in size.
Conidiophores short (5-8 m), simple; conidia small, faintly
brown, one-celled, ovoid or ellipsoid, measuring 3-4 x 5-6 m,
thin walled, smooth.
Fig. 223. Mohgaonidium deccani. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Singhai 1974, p. 97, Late Cretaceous,
Maastrichtian, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Genus: Monodictyites Barlinge & Paradkar 1982 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 21173.
Type Species: Monodictyites intertrappea Barlinge &
Paradkar 1982.
Classification: Moniliales.
Species: Monodictyites intertrappea Barlinge & Paradkar
1982
MycoBank No.: MB 109515.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 168): Fungus
saprophytic; hyphae septate, branched; conidiospores with
thick stalks; conidia multicellular, dictyosporous and medium-
thick walled, 12-40 x 16-28 m; found in decaying tissue of the
host.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: ? Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 168, pl. 1, figs. F,
H, text-figs. H, N-O, Deccan Intertrappean Series (?Late
Cretaceous)), Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Remarks: The species is not validly published, because no
illustration of the fossil form was provided. The authors
illustrated, on their plate 1, figs. F, H, and in the text-figs. H-O,
spores and mycelium of (extant) Monodictys.
Genus: Monoporisporites van der Hammen 1954a emend.
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21174.
Type Species: Monoporisporites minutus van der Hammen
1954a (designated by van der Hammen 1954b, p. 14).
Ornatisporites Parsons & Norris 1999
Polyporisporites van der Hammen 1954a
Psiammopomopiospora Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980
Psiamspora Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980
Reticulatisporonites Elsik 1968
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 83, 103): (Fungal)
spore with one small, [round (van der Hammen 1954b)] pore
(Jansonius & Hills 1976, card no. 1704.)
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 272): Monoporate,
nonseptate, psilate fungal or algal spores. Shape spherical to
subspherical.
Emended Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 40):
Monoporate, aseptate, psilate to finely punctate fungal or
algal spores. Shapes spherical to subspherical, hilate or
monoporate.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 175):
Monohilate (or monoporate), unicellate, generally small to
medium-sized, round, oval or elongate elliptical fungal spores.
Wall generally smooth, but ornamented forms are included.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Clarke (1965) published a restated description, as
follows: Fungal spores unicellular (amerosporous), spherical
to subspherical, hilate or monoporate, cell wall psilate to finely
punctate.
Species: Monoporisporites annulatus van der Hammen
1954a
Fig. 224
MycoBank No.: MB 334446.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 103): Spores 13 m;
psilate, with dark annulus.
Fig. 224. Monoporisporites annulatus. Bar = 5 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 101
Locality: Megdalena Valley, Eastern Cordellera, Colombia,
South America.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Monoporisporites basidii (Elsik 1968) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 225
MycoBank No.: MB 483422.
Lacrimasporonites basidii Elsik, Pollen Spores 10(2), p. 273.
pl. 2, fig. 17. 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 273): Spatulate, apically
monoporate, psilate spores 6 to 8 m wide and 9 to 14 m
long. Wall smooth on both inner and outer surfaces. Wall of
two layers of equal thickness. Both layers thin and bulge out
somewhat at the pore. Apical pore very small, ca. 0.5 m. No
evidence of basal attachment area.
Fig. 225. Monoporisporites basidii. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Strip mine, Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 126, pl. 2, fig.
17, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala; Varma
& Patil, 1985. P. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p.
59, pl. 5, fig. 1, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan
area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Samant & Tapaswi
2000, p. 29, fig. 2.8, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay
Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Monoporisporites bellus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 226
MycoBank No.: MB 483424.
Lacrimasporonites bellus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 50, pl. 2, fig. 28. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 50): Oval fungal spore,
size 70 x 42 m; unicellate, aseptate, monoporate, pore apical;
spore wall up to 1 m thick, psilate, irregularly folded.
Fig. 226. Monoporisporites bellus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 50, pl. 2, figs. 28, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Monoporisporites circularis Saxena 2009
Fig. 227
MycoBank No.: MB 515007.
Monoporisporites hammenii Samant & Tapaswi, Gondwana
Geological Magazine 15(2), p. 28, fig. 2.5. 2000, non Martínez-
Hernández & Tomasini-Ortiz 1989.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28): Fungal spores
circular in shape; 46-48 m in diameter, opaque, monoporate;
pore centrally placed, pore wall thick and even, pore about 6
m in diameter; spore wall smooth.
Fig. 227. Monoporisporites circularis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Cambay Basin, Surat District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Cambay Shale).
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28, fig. 2.5, Cambay
Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Surat District, Gujarat.
102 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Monoporisporites hammenii Samant & Tapaswi
2000, non Martínez-Hernández & Tomasini-Ortiz 1989.
MycoBank No.: MB 515006.
Remarks: Monoporisporites hammenii Samant & Tapaswi
2000 is illegitimate, being junior homonym of
Monoporisporites hammenii Martínez-Hernández &
Tomasini-Ortiz 1989. For this reason, Saxena (2009) replaced
it with a new name [See: Monoporisporites circularis Saxena
2009]
Species: Monoporisporites keralensis Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 228
MycoBank No.: MB 115076.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 294): Spores
spheroidal, 22-30 m in diameter, unicellular, light brown in
colour, a single pore towards one side, pore 2 m in diameter,
simple, flush with general surface of spore, spore wall two-
layered, outer layer slightly thicker, surface psilate to locally
finely flecked.
Fig. 228. Monoporisporites keralensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 294, pl. 1, fig. 5,
Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay
mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Samant 2000, p.
16, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar,
Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Monoporisporites koenigii Elsik 1968
Fig. 229
MycoBank No.: MB 317864.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 272): Subspherical to pear shaped,
psilate, monoporate fungal spores. Size 20 to 22 m wide and
24 to 30 m long. Spore wall generally darkly pigmented, 1.5
m thick. Inner layer of wall twice as thick as outer layer. An
outer, very thin third layer may be present. Apical pore 0.5
m, bulges out slightly without thickening of the spore wall.
Wall turned into the pore.
Fig. 229. Monoporisporites koenigii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Strip mine, Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Samant &
Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, pl. 2, fig. 6, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene),
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2,
fig. 11, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Species: Monoporisporites meghalayaensis sp. nov.
Fig. 230
MycoBank No.: MB 519946.
Monoporisporites sp. in Singh et al., Palaeobotanist 35(1), p.
100, pl. 2, fig. 2. 1986.
Description: Fungal spore spherical in shape, size 77-86 m.
Monoporate, pore circular, 7-8 m in diameter, centrally
located. Spore wall 1.5 m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 230. Monoporisporites meghalayaensis. Bar = 20 m.
Holotype: Singh et al. 1986, pl. 2, fig. 2; slide no. 8128, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam, India.
Age: Miocene (Bokabil Formation).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 103
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 100, pl. 2, fig. 2, Bokabil
Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam.
Species: Monoporisporites minutus van der Hammen 1954a
Fig. 231
MycoBank No.: MB 334450.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 103): Spores 14 m
(11.5-18 m); psilate-scabrate; dark colour, pore round, very
small.
Fig. 231. Monoporisporites minutus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Magdalena Valley, Eastern Cordillera, Colombia,
South America.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1980, p. 480, Pinjor Formation
(Late Pliocene), near Chandigarh; Singh & Saxena 1980, p.
278, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Saxena 1981,
p. 177, pl. 1, fig. 12, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-
Bharwain Road Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh;
Saxena & Singh 1982b, p. 330, pl. 1, fig. 15, Pinjor Formation
(Late Pliocene), near Chandigarh.
Species: Monoporisporites neyveliensis Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980
Fig. 232
MycoBank No.: MB 483756.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 81): Spores
unicellular, globoid, 25-30 m in diameter; wall chestnut-brown,
smooth, up to 2,5 m thick; germ pore one, rather faint, up to
2 m in diameter, flush with general surface of spore.
Fig. 232. Monoporisporites neyveliensis. Bar = 5 m.
Remarks: Authors considered these spores to be teliospores
(Uredinales, Pucciniaceae) resembling those of Uromyces.
Although none of the spores possessed a pedicel, the
flattening of one side of the spore wall in most specimens
indicates the original position where a pedicel was attached.
Uromyces is parasitic on various members of the
Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae and Gramineae. Pollen of these
groups occur in the lignite residues.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene (Neyveli lignite).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 81-82, pl. 1,
fig. 3, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu.
Species: Monoporisporites niger (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 233
MycoBank No.: MB 483433.
Lacrimasporonites niger Kumar, Review of Palaeobotany and
Palynology 63, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 6. 1990.
Description (Kumar 1990, p. 15): Fungal spore unicellular,
monoporate and elliptical with acutely rounded ends. Size 30-
35 x 13-15 m. Single pore at one end. Spore wall smooth, ±
0.75 m thick, slightly thicker around the pore.
Fig. 233. Monoporisporites niger. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Early-Middle Miocene.
Indian records: Kumar 1990, p. 15, 17, pl. 1, fig. 6, Early-Middle
Miocene, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala.
Species: Monoporisporites novus Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 234
MycoBank No.: MB 107032.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49): Spherical to oval
fungal spores; size range 10-19 m, unicellate, aseptate;
104 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
monoporate, pore small, ca. 0.5-1.5 m in diameter, circular,
without any distinct annulus; spore wall up to 1 m thick,
psilate, single-layered, pigment medium to dark, area around
the pore darker than rest of the spore.
Fig. 234. Monoporisporites novus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.02 N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49, pl. 2, figs. 23-24,
Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long.
69°17.2'E), Sediment core no. 3 (Lat. 19°32.8'N: Long. 71°21.5'E),
Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E), Sediment
core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Monoporisporites ovaliformis (Chandra et al.
1984) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 235
MycoBank No.: MB 483434.
Lacrimasporonites ovaliformis Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 50, pl. 2, fig. 29. 1984.
Description (Chandra, et al. 1984, p. 50): Subspherical to oval
fungal spores; size range 42-55 x 32-41 m; unicellate, aseptate;
monoporate, pore apical, 6-13 m in diameter, pore margin
faintly thickened; spore wall 0.5 m thick, psilate to somewhat
intrapunctate.
Fig. 235. Monoporisporites ovaliformis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 50, pl. 2, fig. 29, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Monoporisporites ovalis Sheffy & Dilcher 1971
MycoBank No.: MB 111660.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Basidiosporites Elsik 1968 [See: Basidiosporites
ovalis (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Monoporisporites psilatus Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 236
MycoBank No.: MB 107033.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49): Spherical fungal spore,
size 62 x 55 m; unicellate, aseptate, monoporate, pore circular,
4.5 m in diameter, surrounded by a prominent thickening,
darker than the rest of the body; spore wall 2 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 236. Monoporisporites psilatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49, pl. 2, fig. 22, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Monoporisporites sheffyi Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 237
MycoBank No.: MB 107034.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 50): Spherical-
subspherical fungal spores; unicellular, monoporate, size
range 15-17 x 13-15 m, pore ca. 3 m, wide; spore wall 2-
layered, 1.5 m thick, psilate.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 105
Fig. 237. Monoporisporites sheffyi. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 50, pl. 2, fig. 25, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long.
69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Monoporisporites singhii Gupta 2002
Fig. 238
MycoBank No.: MB 540671.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 129): Spores one celled,
nonseptate, monoporate, subcircular, 17 x 14.5 – 26 x 22 m,
pore ±circular, simple, situated variously in middle; verrucate
with verrucae varying in size and shape, surface folded.
Fig. 238. Monoporisporites singhii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 129, pl. 1, fig. 7, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Monoporisporites stoveri Elsik 1968
Fig. 239
MycoBank No.: MB 317866.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 272): Spherical or disc-shaped,
monoporate, psilate fungal spores, 13 to 20 m in diameter.
Spore wall ca. 0.5 m. Pore less then 0.5 m, bulges ca. 1 m
beyond spore outline.
Fig. 239. Monoporisporites stoveri. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Strip mine, Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11, pl. 4, fig. 51,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Ambwani 1982, p. 30, pl. 1, fig. 13, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-Bommuru near
Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh; Varma
& Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Chakraborty 2004, p.
116, Lakadong Sandstone (Late Palaeocene), around
Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills, Assam.
Genus: Multicellaesporites Elsik 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21181.
Type Species: Multicellaesporites nortonii Elsik 1968.
Warkallisporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 269): Inaperturate, psilate fungal
spores of three or more cells; two or more septa. Shape variable
around a long axis.
Emended Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 269):
Inaperturate, psilate to scabrate fungal spores or algal bodies
of three or more cells; two or more septa. Shape variable around
a long axis.
Emended Description (Kumar 1990, p. 22): Fungal spores
multicellate, elongate. A longitudinal slit or furrow present.
Spore wall smooth or ornamented or differentially coloured
or thickened.
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) adopted the emended
diagnosis of Kumar (1990) but paraphrased the same as
follows: “Fungal spores, generally of three to five cells; overall
106 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
shape fusiform to elliptical, commonly with a slight curvature
in the long axis; generally, the equatorial section is a plane of
symmetry; commonly with a subtle, but distinct, longitudinal
furrow, crease, thinning or rupture of the wall on the concave
side of the spore, that may be expressed in only the terminal
cells, or along the whole spore; spore wall smooth or with
minute sculpturing; septa distinct or thin, commonly with a
perforation or septal folds.”
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Multicellaesporites circularis Samant & Tapaswi
2000
MycoBank No.: MB 519787.
Remarks: This species does not possess a longitudinal
furrow, an essential character of Multicellaesporites (sensu
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000) and therefore is being transferred
to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000. [See:
Multicellites circularis (Samant & Tapaswi 2000) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites confusus Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 107038.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Multicellites confusus (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Multicellaesporites curvatus Ambwani 1983
MycoBank No.: MB 107039.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Reduviasporonites Wilson 1962 [See:
Reduviasporonites curvatus (Ambwani 1983) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Multicellaesporites denticulatus (Ramanujam &
Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 240
MycoBank No.: MB 483445.
Warkallisporonites denticulatus Ramanujam & Rao, in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
298, pl. 2, fig. 27. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298): Spores
uniseriate, multicellular, fusiform, 80-102 x 15-18 m.
Transverse septa 4 to 7 in number. Spore constricted at the
central septum. Cells broadest in the centre, prominently
tapered at each end. Two denticulate or wedge-shaped
thickenings on some septa on either side of a slit-like pore.
No thickenings on central septum. Spore wall up to 1.5 m
thick, finely granular to locally almost psilate.
Locality: Kannur District, Kerala South India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Fig. 240. Multicellaesporites denticulatus. Bar = 20 m.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298, pl. 2, figs. 27-
28, Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Multicellaesporites differentialis Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 109089.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Ramasricellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Ramasricellites differentialis (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Species: Multicellaesporites dilcheri Samant in Saxena 2009
Fig. 241
MycoBank No.: MB 515016.
Multicellaesporites dilcheri Samant, Geophytology 28, p.
14, pl. 1, fig. 12. 2000 (nom. inval.).
Description (Samant 2000 p. 14): Fungal spores oval in shape;
tetracellate, about 30-32 x 14-20 m in size; terminal cell longer
than the middle cells, about 10 x 12 m, middle cells about 12
x 14 m; longitudinal slit in the middle region; no constriction
of cell wall between the cells; septate, septa about 2 m thick,
porate; cell wall about 1 m thick, psilate and hyaline.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 107
Fig. 241. Multicellaesporites dilcheri. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharasalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 14, pl. 1, fig. 12, Bhavnagar,
Cambay Basin (Kharasalia Clay Formation), Gujarat.
Remarks: Samant (2000) described the new species
“Multicellaesporites dilcheri” but did not validly publish
the name, as she did not cite where the type is stored (McNeill
et al. 2006: Art. 37.7). The species was validated by Saxena
(2009) by providing holotype location, obtained from personal
communication with Dr. Bandana Samant.
Species: Multicellaesporites elongatus B. Samant 2000
(nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 529875.
Remarks: Samant (2000) described the new species
“Multicellaesporites elongatus” but did not validly publish
the name, as she did not cite where the type is stored (McNeill
et al. 2006: Art. 37.7). The species was validated by Saxena
(2009) by providing holotype location, obtained from personal
communication with Dr. Bandana Samant. Further, the epithet
“elongatus” cannot be used because of the existence of
Multicellaesporites elongatus Sheffy & Dilcher 1971. Saxena
(2009) therefore proposed a new name Multicellaesporites
psilatus. Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000), however, redefined
Multicellaesporites and restricted this genus only for spores
having a distinct longitudinal furrow. They transferred all the
species of this genus, which lack longitudinal furrow, under a
new genus Multicellites. This species also is therefore
transferred to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Multicellites psilatus (Saxena 2009) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites elsikii Kar & Saxena 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 112453.
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Multicellites Kalgutkar and Jansonius 2000 [See:
Multicellites elsikii (Kar & Saxena 1976) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000]
Species: Multicellaesporites elsikii (Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980) Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126566.
Staphlosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Srisailam, Botanique
9(1-4), p. 122, pl. 1, figs. 6-7. 1980.
Remarks: See: Staphlosporonites elsikii Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980.
Species: Multicellaesporites himalayaensis Gupta 2002
MycoBank No.: MB 540672.
Remarks: This species does not possess a longitudinal
furrow, an essential character of Multicellaesporites (sensu
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000) and therefore is being transferred
to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000. [See:
Multicellites himalayaensis (Gupta 2002) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites indicus Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126567.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Axisporonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Axisporonites indicus (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Multicellaesporites jainii Gupta 2002
MycoBank No.: MB 540673.
Remarks: This species does not possess a longitudinal
furrow, an essential character of Multicellaesporites (sensu
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000) and therefore is being transferred
to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Multicellites jainii (Gupta 2002) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites karii Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 106573.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Biporipsilonites karii (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Multicellaesporites kumarii Saxena 2009
MycoBank No.: MB 515008.
Remarks: Multicellaesporites kumarii Saxena 2009 is a
replacement name of Multicellaesporites elsikii (Ramanujam
& Srisailam 1980) Kumar 1990, non Kar & Saxena 1976 (=
Staphlosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980). [See:
Staphlosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980].
Species: Multicellaesporites nortonii Elsik 1968
Fig. 242
MycoBank No.: MB 317946.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 269): Fusiform, inaperturate,
pentacellate fungal or algal spores, 15 x 39 m. Outer surface
smooth to slightly punctate or scabrate, which may be a
108 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
preservational feature. Inner surface of wall smooth to
scabrate. Wall ca. 0.5 m thick, apparently one layer. The
grain has been split longitudinally.
Fig. 242. Multicellaesporites nortonii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Strip mine approximately 7 miles southwest of
Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale Lignite).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Multicellaesporites prakashii Ambwani 1983
MycoBank No.: MB 483901.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Reduviasporonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
[See: Reduviasporonites prakashii (Ambwani 1983) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000]
Species: Multicellaesporites psilatus Saxena 2009
MycoBank No.: MB 515014.
Multicellaesporites elongatus Samant, Geophytology 28(1-
2), p. 14, pl. 1, fig. 14. 2000. (nom. inval.).
Remarks: Since this species lacks a longitudinal furrow, it is
being transferred to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
[See: Multicellites psilatus (Saxena 2009) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites ramanujamii Gupta 2002
MycoBank No.: MB 540674.
Remarks: This species does not possess a longitudinal
furrow, an essential character of Multicellaesporites (sensu
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000) and therefore is being transferred
to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000. [See:
Multicellites ramanujamii (Gupta 2002) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites reticulatus Samant & Tapaswi
2000
MycoBank No.: MB 519788.
Remarks: This species does not possess a longitudinal
furrow, an essential character of Multicellaesporites (sensu
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000) and therefore is being transferred
to Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000. [See:
Multicellites reticulatus (Samant & Tapaswi 2000) comb. nov.].
Species: Multicellaesporites tricellatus Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 107040.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Pluricellaesporites van der Hammen 1954a [See:
Pluricellaesporites tricellatus (Chandra et al. 1984) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Multicellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28622.
Type Species: Multicellites tener (Ke & Shi 1978) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 188): Multicellate,
uniserial, inaperturate fungal spores; number of cells three to
many, terminal cells usually rounded; spore wall usually
smooth, of medium thickness, usually thinner than the septa
(or septal bases); septa generally perforate, or with septal
folds.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Multicellites chandrae sp. nov.
Fig. 243
MycoBank No.: MB 519947.
Multicellaesporites sp. in Chandra et al., Biovigyanam 10(1),
p. 47, pl. 2, fig. 16. 1984.
Description: Elliptical fungal spores, size 28-37 x 9-10 m;
tetracellate, triseptate, inaperturate; spore wall about 1 m
thick, psilate.
Fig. 243. Multicellites chandrae. Bar = 10 m.
Holotype: Chandra et al. 1984, pl. 2, fig. 16; slide no. 6299/1,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 109
Locality: Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 47, pl. 2, fig. 16, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long.
69°17.2'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Multicellites circularis (Samant & Tapaswi 2000)
comb. nov.
Fig. 244
MycoBank No.: MB 519935.
Multicellaesporites circularis Samant & Tapaswi, Gondwana
Geological Magazine 15(2), p. 28, fig. 2.11. 2000
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28): Fungal spores
oval in shape; generally dicellate rarely tricellate, 15-17 x 18-
21 m in size, both the cells equal in size, individual cell circular
and about 9 m in diameter, cells slightly overlapping each
other and hyaline; spore wall <1 m thick; smooth.
Fig. 244. Multicellites circularis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Cambay Basin Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Cambay Shale).
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28, fig. 2.11,
Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Surat District, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Multicellites confusus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 245
MycoBank No.: MB 483453.
Multicellaesporites confusus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 47, pl. 2, fig. 14. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 47): Ribbon-shaped fungal
spore, size 88 x 15 m, multicellate, number of cells nine, all
cells more or less equal in shape and size, individual cells
squarish-elongate; inaperturate, 8 septa present, septa up to
2 m thick, sometimes incomplete or broken; spore wall less
than 1 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 245. Multicellites confusus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 47, pl.2, fig. 14, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Multicellites crassisporus (Salard-Cheboldaeff &
Locquin 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 246
MycoBank No.: MB 483455.
Multicellaesporites crassisporus Salard-Cheboldaeff &
Locquin, 105e Congrès National des Sociétés savantes, Caen,
Sciences, fascicule 1, p. 189, pl. 3, fig. 4. 1980.
Description (Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980, p. 189):
Phragmospore inaperturate but with secondary fissures at
extremities, septa thickened around the central perforations,
spore wall thin, smooth, 3 cells, 40 x 20 m.
Fig. 246. Multicellites crassisporus. Bar = 20 m.
110 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Coast of Equatorial Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon,
Africa.
Age: Late Eocene-Oligocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 17, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Remarks: According to Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000), the
holotype has 4 cells.
Species: Multicellites elsikii (Kar & Saxena 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 247
MycoBank No.: MB 483460.
Multicellaesporites elsikii Kar & Saxena, Palaeobotanist
23(1), 11, pl. 3, fig. 29. 1976.
Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11): Spores somewhat
elliptical, generally pentacellate but may vary from tetra- to
hexacellate, 49-68 x 16-27 m; inaperturate, septa clear,
individual cells ± of same size, spore wall up to 1 m thick,
psilate.
Fig. 247. Multicellites elsikii. Bar = 15 m.
Locality: Bhuj-Lakhpat Road, Matanomadh, Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Matanomadh Formation).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 11, pl. 3, fig. 29,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 8,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District,
Jharkhand; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 198, pl. 1, figs. 3-4, Late
Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Species: Multicellites himalayaensis (Gupta 2002) comb.
nov.
Fig. 248
MycoBank No.: MB 519900.
Multicellaesporites himalayaensis Gupta, Tertiary Research
21(1-4), p. 136, pl. 2, fig. 16. 2002.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 136): Spores three to five celled,
2-4 septate, uniseriate, inaperturate elongate, particularly
extended at one side with a tube like appendage at other, 31 -
45 m long, 8-13 m broad granulate-punctuate, sculpturing
distinct at wider part but indistinct at appendage, surface
folded, wall < 0.5 m thick.
Fig. 248. Multicellites himalayaensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 136, pl. 2, fig. 16, Subathu and
Dagshai formations (Late Palaeocene to Early Oligocene),
Dadahu and Jamtah Road sections, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh.
Species: Multicellites jainii (Gupta 2002) comb. nov.
Fig. 249
MycoBank No.: MB 519901.
Multicellaesporites jainii Gupta, Tertiary Research 21(1-4),
p. 136, pl. 2, figs. 13, 14. 2002.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 136): Spores four celled, triseptate,
uniseriate, inaperturate, elongate, straight, 19–26 m broad,
subverrucose-granulate, surface folded.
Fig. 249. Multicellites jainii. Bar = 5 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 111
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 136, pl. 2, figs.13, 14, Subathu
and Dagshai formations (Late Palaeocene to Early Oligocene,
Dadahu and Jamtah Road sections, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh.
Species: Multicellites psilatus (Saxena 2009) comb. nov.
Fig. 250
MycoBank No.: MB 519903.
Multicellaesporites elongatus Samant, Geophytology 28(1-
2), p. 14, pl. 1, fig. 14. 2000. (nom. inval.), non Sheffy & Dilcher
1971.
Multicellaesporites psilatus Saxena, Mycotaxon 110, p. 49.
2009.
Description (Samant 2000, p. 14): Fungal spores rectangular
in shape; tricellate; all cells of similar shape and size; about100-
109 m long; individual cell rectangular in shape, about 23-25
x 14-16 m in size, marked constriction between the cells;
septate, septa about 1-1.5 m thick; spore wall about 1m
thick, psilate and hyaline.
Fig. 250. Multicellites psilatus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharasalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 14, pl. 1, fig. 14, Kharasalia
Clay Formation (Early Eocene), Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin
Gujarat.
Species: Multicellites ramanujamii (Gupta 2002) comb. nov.
Fig. 251
MycoBank No.: MB 519902.
Multicellaesporites ramanujamii Gupta, Tertiary Research
21(1-4), p. 136, pl. 2, fig. 15. 2002.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 136): Spores four celled, triseptate,
uniseriate, inaperturate, variously curved, elongate, 17-35 m
long, 8-12.5 m broad, psilate-granulate, surface folded, wall
0.5 m thick.
Fig. 251. Multicellites ramanujamii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamath Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 136, pl. 2, figs.15, Subathu
Formation (Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene), Dadahu and
Jamtah Road sections, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Multicellites reticulatus (Samant & Tapaswi 2000)
comb. nov.
Fig. 252
MycoBank No.: MB 519936.
Multicellaesporites Samant & Tapaswi, Gondwana Geological
Magazine 15(2), p. 28, fig. 2.10. 2000.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28): Fungal spores
conical is shape; dicellate; 30-32 x 20-21 m in size, cells
overlapping each other, first cell conical and about 10-12 m
in size, second cell circular and about 21 m in diameter;
septate, septa thick, thicker than spore wall, contact between
septa and spore wall curved; spore wall about 1.5 m thick;
reticulate.
Fig. 252. Multicellites reticulatus. Bar = 5 m.
112 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Surat District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28, fig. 2.10, Early
Eocene, Surat District, Gujarat.
Genus: Mundkurella Thirumalachar 1944
MycoBank No.: MB 16223.
Type Species: Mundkurella heptapleuri Thirumalachar 1944.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Ustilaginales.
Species: Mundkurella mohgaoensis Chitaley & Yawale 1978
Fig. 253
MycoBank No.: MB 110825.
Description (Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 193): Sori
heterosporous, 17 x 44 m in diameter, containing unicellular
and bicellular spores, singly or in groups. Unicellular spores
deep brown to pale yellow in colour, 8 x 13 m in diameter.
Bicelled spores deep brown with rich granular contents, 11 x
16 m. Epispore 1 x 2.5 m thick and smooth.
Fig. 253. Mundkurella mohgaoensis. Bar = 25 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 193, pl. 1, figs. 5-6,
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara
District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Mycozygosporangia Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541699.
Type species: Mycozygosporangia laevigata Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Zygosporangia light-
dark brown, 22-48 x 20-46 m, subcircular-circular in shape,
often attached with two opposite hyphae, sporangia wall 2-4
m thick, laevigate.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Mycozygosporangia laevigata Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 254
MycoBank No.: MB 542299.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Zygosporangium
subcircular in shape, 23-48 x 21-46 m, two hyphae often
attached opposite to each other, look like ordinary mycelia,
tubular. Spore wall 2-4 m thick, psilate, often weakly
intrastructured.
Fig. 254. Mycozygosporangia laevigata. Bar = 15 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 1, fig. 5, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
N
Genus: Netothyrites Misra et al. 1996
MycoBank No.: MB 519790.
Type Species: Netothyrites vertistriatus Misra et al. 1996.
Description (Misra et al. 1996, p. 17-18): Microfossil fungal
fruit bodies, pitcher shape with distinct collar, hollow neck
and main body with closed reticulated bottom, fly catcher’s
net like in gross appearance. Proximal opening (? ostiole)
distinct, bordered with dark, multicellular cells, form a distinct
collar (rim) around subcircular to oval proximal opening. Main
body hangs down from the collar, with a distinct neck in
between. The side walls of the neck and main body bear
number of longitudinal ribs which run down parallel or
anastomose to form reticulum. Bottoms of main body densely
reticulated and closed.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Netothyrites paleocenicus Misra et al. 1996
Fig. 255
MycoBank No.: MB 519792.
Description (Misra et al. 1996, p. 19): Fruit bodies flask
sshaped, longitudinally oval, measuring 40-61 m in
longitudinal axis, 22-54 m in transverse axis; proximal opening
(?ostiole) big, subcircular to oval measuring 22-51 m at
transverse axis, bordered with uniserial multicellular peripheral
rim (collar), cells of peripheral rim rectangular, with thickened
surface, neck in between the proximal opening and main body
distinct, broad, maintain almost same diameter as main body.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 113
The side walls of main body bear a number of ribs/striations
which emerge out from in between the peripheral cells and
run down; striation often dichotomise and anastomose to
form reticulate net along side walls as well as at the bottom of
main body size of the meshes up to 2.4 m x 3.6 m; reticulation
at the bottom very closely placed with thickened and narrow
meshes.
Fig. 255. Netothyrites palaeocenicus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Razole well no. A, 3360-3365 m, Krishna-Godavari
Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Misra et al. 1996, p. 19, pl. 1, figs. 14-15, text-
fig. 1B, Palaeocene, Boreholes EM-A, SM-79-A, B-66-A, B-
163-A in Bombay Offshore, Boreholes Palakollu-Am, Modi-
A, Razole-A, Elamanchalli-A, Peddapelam-A in Krishna-
Godavari Basin and Boreholes An-42-A in Andaman Basin.
Species: Netothyrites vertistriatus Misra et al. 1996
Fig. 256
MycoBank No.: MB 519791.
Description (Misra et al. 1996, p. 18-19): Fungal fruit
bodies fly catcher’s net shaped, longitudinally oval to
elongate, measure 36-64 m at longitudinal axis, 24-62 m at
transverse axis. Proximal opening (?ostiole) distinct, big,
transversely subcircular to oval, approx. 28-65 m at transverse
diameter, opening bordered by a distinct, relatively dark, uni-
or biserial multicellular peripheral rim. Cells of peripheral rim
hard, rectangular, 2-3 x 3-6 m in size: neck in between the
main body and proximal opening narrow. Main body hang
down from the peripheral rim, side walls bear number of
unbranched, parallel running longitudinal ribs; ribs emerge
out from the junctions of peripheral cells. Longitudinal ribs
2.5-4 m away from each other, joined by thin membranous
film. The bottom of main body wall closely reticulated with
thick mesh.
Fig. 256. Netothyrites vertistriatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: An-42-A well 1500-1505 m, Andaman Basin, India.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Misra et al. 1996, p. 18-19, pl. 1, figs. 1-13,
text-fig. 1A, Palaeocene, Boreholes EM-A, SM-79-A, B-66-A,
B-163-A in Bombay Offshore, Boreholes Palakollu-Am, Modi-
A, Razole-A, Elamanchalli-A, Peddapelam-A in Krishna-
Godavari Basin and Boreholes An-42-A in Andaman Basin.
Genus: Notothyrites Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 21193.
Type Species: Notothyrites setifer Cookson 1947.
Description (Cookson 1947, 208): Ascomata without free
mycelium, superficial, rounded, radiate, ostiolate. Ostiole
prominent, bordered by three to five layers of dark brown,
thick walled cells. Ascospores unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Specimens assigned to Notothyrites correspond
to Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943 in all respects, including
the occasional presence of setae around the ostiole (Elsik
1978). This genus is, therefore, treated a junior synonym of
Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943.
Species: Notothyrites amorphus Kar & Saxena 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 112479.
Remarks: Since Notothyrites Cookson 1947 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Saxena & Misra
(1990) transferred this species to Trichothyrites Rosendahl
1943 [See: Trichothyrites amorphus (Kar & Saxena 1976)
Saxena & Misra 1990].
Species: Notothyrites denticulatus Ramanujam & Rao 1973
MycoBank No.: MB 318738.
Remarks: Since Notothyrites Cookson 1947 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Kalgutkar and
Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Trichothyrites
114 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites denticulatus
(Ramanujam & Rao 1973) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Notothyrites echinatus Rao & Ramanujam 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 318739.
Remarks: Since Notothyrites Cookson 1947 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Kalgutkar and
Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Trichothyrites
Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites echinatus (Rao &
Ramanujam 1976) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Notothyrites kiandrensis Selkirk 1975
MycoBank No.: MB 318740.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000, p. 197-198)
mentioned the status of this species as “Now: Asterothyrites
kiandrensis (Selkirk) comb. nov.”. However, on p. 303 they
formally published it as a new combination under
Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943. Since Notothyrites Cookson
1947 is a junior synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943,
we accept transfer of this species to Trichothyrites.
“Asterothyrites kiandrensis (Selkirk) comb. nov.” (Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000, p. 197-198) is therefore considered here as
an inadvertent error and must be ignored.
Species: Notothyrites neyvelii Ramanujam 1963b (nom.
inval.)
Remarks: Ramanujam (1963b) published the name
Notothyrites neyvelii in Abstract of a paper, but the name “N.
neyvelii” was never validly published.
Species: Notothyrites padappakkarensis Jain & Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.: MB 318741.
Remarks: Since Notothyrites Cookson 1947 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Kalgutkar and
Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Trichothyrites
Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites padappakkarensis (Jain
& Gupta 1970) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Notothyrites setifer Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 335220.
Remarks: Since Notothyrites Cookson 1947 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Saxena & Misra
(1990, p. 270) transferred this species to Trichothyrites
Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites setifer (Cookson 1947)
Saxena & Misra 1990].
O
Genus: Ornasporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21200.
Type Species: Ornasporonites inaequalis Ramanujam & Rao
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298): Spores brownish
yellow to pale yellow, 4-celled, fusiform, diporate, cells unequal
in size, basal and apical cells much smaller than two central
cells; transverse septa three, central septum straight, other
two septa curved. One simple pore at each end of spore along
its long axis. Spore wall rugulate-reticuloid.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Ornasporonites inaequalis Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 257
MycoBank No.: MB 115078.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298): Spores fusiform
to barrel shaped, tetracellate, 45-63 x 35-42 m, cells unequal,
basal and apical cells much smaller, less than half the size of
central cells, one simple pore in basal and apical cells. Spore
wall less than 1 m thick, surface rugulate-reticuloid, muri
flat, meshes irregular, often incomplete, lumina irregular,
smooth.
Fig. 257. Ornasporonites inaequalis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Alleppey, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298, pl. 2, figs. 31-
32, Quilon and Warkalli beds (Miocene), Alleppey District,
Kerala; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene),
Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
P
Genus: Palaeoamphisphaerella Ramanujam & Srisailam
1980
MycoBank No.: MB 21204.
Type Species: Palaeoamphisphaerella pirozynskii
Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980.
Imprimospora Norris 1986
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 128): Spores
brownish to dark brown, aseptate, elliptical, oblong or
somewhat rhomboidal, with more or less rounded ends; with
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 115
equatorial pores, placed equidistantly; surface psilate to
scabrate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) opined that
Imprimospora Norris 1986 morphologically resembles
Palaeoamphisphaerella, as described by Ramanujam and
Srisailam (1980), hence it is considered a junior synonym of
Palaeoamphisphaerella.
Species: Palaeoamphisphaerella keralensis Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
Fig. 258
MycoBank No.: MB 109135.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 129): Spores
dark brown, aseptate, elliptical to somewhat rhomboidal, 25.5-
30.6 x 8.5-15.3 m, multiporate, 3-6 equatorial pores, not always
equidistant, often showing zig-zag alignment, rounded to
slightly ovoid or even transversely elongated, 3 m in diameter,
pore margin prominently thickened (2.2 m), spore wall 1.7
m thick, surface scabrate, locally coarsely so.
Fig. 258. Palaeoamphisphaerella keralensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kannur, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 129-130, pl.
2, figs. 26-27, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 9, Miocene, Godavari-
Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery
Basin, Tamil Nadu; Rao et al. 1995, p. 374, Early Miocene,
Borewell at Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam District, Kerala.
Species: Palaeoamphisphaerella pirozynskii Ramanujam
& Srisailam 1980
Fig. 259
MycoBank No.: MB 109136.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 128): Spores
brownish to dark brown, aseptate, oblong with more or less
rounded ends, 28.9-34 x 10.2-15.3 m, multiporate, pores 8-10,
equatorial, equidistant, 4 or 5 seen on the exposed surface,
oval, 3.4-5.1 m in diameter, pore margin prominently
thickened (2.2 m), spore wall 1.7 m thick, surface psilate.
Fig. 259. Palaeoamphisphaerella pirozynskii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kannur, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 129, pl. 2,
figs. 24-25, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna
Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin,
Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Palaeocercospora Mitra & Banerjee 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28426.
Type Species: Palaeocercospora siwalikensis Mitra &
Banerjee 2000.
Description (Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 8): Stroma compact,
with groups of well developed hyphal cells, conidiophores
occur singly or in fascicles of 2-7, elongated, divergent,
septate, conidial scar present at the point of geniculation.
Classification: Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes.
Species: Palaeocercospora siwalikensis Mitra & Banerjee
2000
Fig. 260
MycoBank No.: MB 464780.
Description (Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 8): (Diagnosis): Stroma
distinct, circular with undulated outline; fascicles of
conidiophores ranging 7-20 in number emerge from peripheral
zone of stroma. Conidiophores simple, thick walled, smooth,
pluriseptate with conidial scar on each cell. (Description):
The hyphomycetous epiphyllous fungi showing distinct, well
developed stroma; stroma circular, 16.8 to 37.8 m in diameter,
consists of deep brown compactly arranged hyphal cells;
conidiophores fasciculate, in fascicles of 7-20 divergent stalks
emerging from the stroma. Light brown to dark brown in colour,
straight to flexuous, simple, slightly thick walled, smooth,
116 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
pluriseptate (5-7 septa), spore scar present and conspicuous,
lying at the point of geniculations of the conidiophore,
conidiophores long (42-92.4 m) and slender (width 4.2-6.3
m), tip somewhat pointed. Conidia absent.
Fig. 260. Palaeocercospora siwalikensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: National Highway 31 Road Section, Darjeeling
Foothills, Eastern Himalaya.
Age: Middle Miocene (Geabdat Sandstone Formation).
Indian records: Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 8, figs. 1-5, text-fig.
2, Geabdat Sandstone Formation (Middle Miocene), N.H. 31
Road Section, Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern Himalaya.
Genus: Palaeocirrenalia Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 21205.
Type species - Palaeocirrenalia elegans Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 124): Spores
light brown to reddish brown, inaperturate, helicoid, 1 to 1¼
times loosely coiled, multicellular, 2 to 6 septate, septa
transverse, prominent, as thick and dark bands, cells of
unequal size, terminal cell dome-shaped and broader, basal
cell usually cuneate, pale-coloured, surface psilate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Palaeocirrenalia elegans Ramanujam & Srisailam
1980
Fig. 261
MycoBank No.: MB 109520.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 125): Spores
light brown to reddish brown, inaperturate, helicoid, 1 to 1¼
times loosely coiled, 4 to 6 septate, maximum width 34-49.3
m, basal cell cuneate to elongated-cuneate, 10 x 8.5 m, pale-
coloured to almost hyaline, terminal cell dome-shaped, 15.3 x
17 m in diameter, septa prominent to form thick dark bands
up to 5 m thick, spore wall up to 1.7 m thick, surface psilate.
Fig. 261. Palaeocirrenalia elegans. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kannur, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kannur
District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 125, pl. 1,
figs. 13-14, pl. 2, fig. 15, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur
District, Kerala; Phadtare & Kulkarni 1984, p. 517, pl. 1, fig. 5,
Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene), well at Golap on Ratnagiri-Pawas
Road, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra; Mallesham et al. 1989,
p. 15, pl. 1, figs. 10-12, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin,
Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Rao et al. 1995, p. 374, fig. 4, Early Miocene, Borewell
at Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam District, Kerala; Rao 1995,
p. 233, Tertiary, Alleppey & Kannur districts, Kerala; Samant
& Phadtare 1997, p. 68, pl. 15, fig. 13, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Samant 2000,
p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 27, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene),
near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Samant & Tapaswi
2000, p. 29, Cambay Shale Early (Eocene), Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Palaeocirrenalia oligoseptata Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980
Fig. 262
MycoBank No.: MB 109521.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 125): Spores
light brown to light yellowish, inaperturate, helicoid or only
partially curved, 2 or 3 septate, maximum width 23.8 x 68 m,
basal cell smaller than, or of same size as terminal cell,
elongated-cuneate, pale-coloured, central cells larger than
others, 34 x 23.8 m, septa as prominent dark bands, up to 6.1
m thick; spore wall 1.7 m thick, surface psilate.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 117
Fig. 262. Palaeocirrenalia oligoseptata. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kannur, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kannur
District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 125, pl. 2, fig.
16, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala.
Genus: Palaeocolletotrichum Mitra & Banerjee 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28427.
Type Species: Palaeocolletotrichum graminioides Mitra &
Banerjee 2000.
Description (Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 10): Subdermal acervuli
indistinct, long, narrow, stiff, pointed setae emerging from
the acervular surface.
Classification: Coelomycetes, Melanconiaceae.
Species: Palaeocolletotrichum graminioides Mitra &
Banerjee 2000
Fig. 263
MycoBank No.: MB 464781.
Description (Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 10): (Diagnosis): Setae
isolated or in cluster of 3-6, long, base bulbous, pointed at
the tip, septate, smooth. (Description): The coelomycetous
epiphyllous fungi remains occurring on cuticular layers show
numerous setae scattered singly or in groups of 3-6 both on
veins and intervenal regions. Faint outline of hyphal mass of
acervular structure observed in the subepidermal position.
Individual setae 84-126 m long, stiff, pointed, moderately
thick (4 m - 5.5 m), dark brown in colour, projected out from
the leaf surfaces. The projected setae with a bulbous base of
7-8.4 m in diameter, septate, number of septa varies from 5-8.
Fig. 263. Palaeocolletotrichum graminioides. Bar = 25 m.
Locality: National Highway 31 Road Section, Darjeeling
Foothills, Eastern Himalaya.
Age: Middle Miocene (Geabdat Sandstone Formation).
Indian records: Mitra & Banerjee 2000, p. 8, figs. 6-9, text-fig.
3, Geabdat Sandstone Formation (Middle Miocene), N.H. 31
Road Section, Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern Himalaya.
Genus: Palaeocytosphaera Singh & Patil 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 21206.
Type Species: Palaeocytosphaera intertrappeana Singh &
Patil 1980.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17): Pycnidia in row,
ostiolate, immersed, pseudoparenchymatous, black, spherical
to oval; conidia single or in chains, oval to spherical, thin-
walled.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Palaeocytosphaera intertrappeana Singh & Patil
1980
Fig. 264
MycoBank No.: MB 109137.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17): Pycnidia 5-7 in row,
black, ostiolate, spherical-oval, immersed, 110-165 x 70-90 m
in size; wall pseudoparenchymatous, 3-4 cells thick;
conidiophores unbranched, 4 m long; conidia oval-spherical,
2-3 m in size, one-celled, single or in chains of 2-3; mycelium
branched, septate, intercellular. Host: dicotyledonous wood.
118 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 264. Palaeocytosphaera intertrappeana. A. Host and
mycelium. Bar = 800 m, B. Part of wall of pycnidium with
conidiophores and spores. Bar = 50 m, C. Intercellular septate
mycelium. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean beds).
Indian records: Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, text-
figs. 1-4, Deccan Intertrappean beds (Cretaceous), Mohgaon
Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Palaeogigaspora Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541709.
Type species: Palaeogigaspora excellensa Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Chlamydospores solitary,
grow at tip of hyphae, oval, 30-51 x 28-47 m, dark brown,
wall about 2 m thick, laevigate. Hyphae tubular, nonseptate,
hyaline.
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Remarks: Kar et al. (2010) proposed the new genus
Palaeogigaspora, which is identical to Palaeomycites
Meschinelli 1902 emend. Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 and
therefore considered here its junior synonym.
Species: Palaeogigaspora excellensa Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 542305.
Remarks: Since Palaeogigaspora is considered here a junior
synonym of Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 emend.
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, Palaeogigaspora excellensa
Kar et al. 2010 is being transferred to Palaeomycites
Meschinelli 1902 emend. Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Palaeomycites excellensa (Kar et al. 2010) comb. nov.]
Genus: Palaeoleptosphaeria Barlinge & Paradkar
1982
MycoBank No.: MB 21207.
Type Species: Palaeoleptosphaeria intertrappeana Barlinge
& Paradkar 1982.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 166): Fungus
saprophytic; mycelium branched, septate; asci in pycnidia
forming acervulus; ascospores cylindrical, thick-walled,
elongate, slightly curved with end cells pale and central 1 or
2 cells enlarged.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Dothideales.
Species: Palaeoleptosphaeria intertrappeana Barlinge &
Paradkar 1982
Fig. 265
MycoBank No.: MB 109522.
Description (Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 166): Asci 110-114
x 22 m; ascospores 8, cylindrical, thick-walled, brown,
elongated, slightly curved and 25-35 x 9.5-11.5 m, end cells
pale, central 1 or 2 cells enlarged. Host, decaying plant remains
of Salvinia intertrappea.
Fig. 265. Palaeoleptosphaeria intertrappeana.
Bar = 25 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh,
India.
Age: Late Cretaceous
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 119
Indian records: Barlinge & Paradkar 1982, p. 166, pl. 1, fig. I,
Late Cretaceous, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District,
Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902 emend. Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21210.
Type Species: None designated.
Phycomycites Ellis 1915.
Palaeomyces Renault ex Kidston & Lang 1921.
Rhizophagites Rosendahl 1943.
Propythium Elias 1966.
Aplanosporites Kar 1979.
Archaeoglomus Sharma et al. 2005 (nom. inval.).
Chlamydospora Kar et al. 2010.
Palaeogigaspora Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Meschinelli 1902, p. 9): Mycelium branched,
interwoven, dichotomous, cylindrical or flat (like small
tapeworms), 3-4 m in diameter, often verrucose, with indistinct
septa.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 207):
Mycelium of branched, more or less interwoven hyphae,
generally lacking septa; hyphae commonly terminating in large
round to ovoid sporangia, that rarely show any contained
spores; sporangia singly, or grouped into clusters; sporangia
closed by a septum, or in open connection with the hypha;
sporangia may be developed as a swelling in a hypha.
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Species: Palaeomycites acinus (Srivastava 1968) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 266
MycoBank No.: MB 483486.
Rhizophagites acinus Srivastava, Canadian Journal of Botany
46, p. 1117, pl. 1, figs. 9-10. 1968.
Description (Srivastava 1968, p. 1117): Mycelia
subdichotomously branched, many unilateral projections,
tortuous, aseptate, uniform in thickness except at the base of
vesicles and at the branching areas, diameter 4-8 m; mycelia
wall smooth, hyaline, single-layered, thickness irregular, thicker
at the base of vesicles and at branching areas, thickness varies
from 0.8 to 4 m. Vesicles spherical to subspherical, sometimes
pyriform; usually darker than mycelia; mycelia at the base of
vesicles form its stalk, stalk diameter uniform, stalk wall
thickens at the base of vesicles; vesicle wall about 3.5-4 m
thick, double-layered; outer layer smooth, continuous with
the stalk wall, denser than stalk wall and mycelium, about 1.5-
2 m thick, inner layer 1.5-2 m thick, baculate, continuous all
around inside the vesicle, forms a plug-like structure at the
contact of vesicle with the stalk; surface ornamentation
infrareticulate, reticulum size less than 1 m. Size range: Vesicle
size 50-80 m.
Fig. 266. Palaeomycites acinus. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Cypress Hills, Alberta, Canada.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.20,
Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi,
on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Palaeomycites bharwainensis (Singh & Saxena
1981) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 267
MycoBank No.: MB 483250.
Aplanosporites bharwainensis Singh & Saxena,
Geophytology 11(2), p. 175, pl. 1, fig. 17. 1981.
Description (Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 175): Subcircular-oval,
55-66 x 48-52 m (excluding appendage). Germinal mark absent.
Exine up to 0.5 m thick, laevigate. A long, about 1.5 m thick,
hair-like appendage present, being occasionally branched.
Fig. 267. Palaeomycites bharwainensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Gagret-Bharwain Road Section, Una District,
Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Miocene-Pliocene.
120 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian records: Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 175, pl. 1, figs. 17-18,
Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret - Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Singh
1982a, p. 292, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road
Section, Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Palaeomycites butleri (Rosendahl 1943) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 268
MycoBank No.: MB 483489.
Rhizophagites butleri Rosendahl, Bulletin of Torrey Botanical
Club 70, p. 131, fig. 2. 1943.
Description (Rosendahl 1943, p. 131): Hyphae moderately
tortuous, with numerous unilateral projections and occasional
diverticula, pale yellow, 9-11 m in diameter and uniform in
thickness except where the branching occurs, stalks of the
vesicles about the same diameter as the rest of the hyphae,
vesicles chestnut-brown, oval to subspherical, varying in size
from 75 x 79 to 103-124 m, average size 89 x 98 m, walls at the
base of mature vesicles and walls of the neck of the stalks
much thickened.
Fig. 268. Palaeomycites butleri. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Bronson, south-eastern Kittson County, Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Age: Late Pleistocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 691, Intertrappean
Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi, on Naliya-
Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Palaeomycites dichotomus (Kar et al. 2010) comb.
nov.
Fig. 269
MycoBank No.: MB 519904.
Chlamydospora dichotoma Kar et al., Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 158, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 9. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Chlamydospores oval,
16-28 x 12-24 m, found in pairs due to dichotomous division
of hyphae, spores in terminal position, equal in size and shape,
spore wall robustly built, about 2 m thick, thicker at basal
end, psilate, sometimes intrastructured.
Fig. 269. Palaeomycites dichotomus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 9, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Palaeomycites excellensus (Kar et al. 2010) comb.
nov.
Fig. 270
MycoBank No.: MB 519905.
Palaeogigaspora excellensa Kar et al., Review of
Palaeobotany and Palynology 158, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 4. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Chlamydospores generally
oval with equally broad lateral ends, sometimes subcircular,
31-45 x 28-42 m; spore wall up to 2 m thick, laevigate; mycelia
nonseptate, hyaline, laterally branched.
Fig. 270. Palaeomycites excellensus. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 121
Type locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 4, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Palaeomycites globatus (Sharma et al. 2005) comb.
nov.
Fig. 271
MycoBank No.: MB 519906.
Archaeoglomus globatus Sharma et al., Micropaleontology
51(1), p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 5. 2005.
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76): Chlamydospores light
to dark brown, develop at terminal end of hyphae, generally
subcircular, sometimes irregularly folded; hyphae translucent,
dichotomously branched, often jumbled together.
Fig. 271. Palaeomycites globatus. Bar = 20 m.
Lectotype (here designated): Kar et al. 2010, pl. 1, fig. 2, slide
no. BSIP 13349 (Q42), Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany,
Lucknow.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 5, Lameta
Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura, Maharashtra; Kar et al.
2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 2, Bhuban Formation (Miocene),
Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Palaeomycites horneae (Kidston & Lang 1921)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 272
MycoBank No.: MB 483495.
Palaeomyces horneae Kidston & Lang, Trans. Royal Soc.
Edinburgh 52, p. 869, pl. 3, figs. 29-35. 1921.
Description (Kidston & Lang 1921, p. 869): Aseptate, branched
hyphae often with brown walls, attaining a diameter of 10-15
m; present in the intercellular spaces of the tissues and also
in the adjoining matrix, from which entering hyphae may be
traced. Spherical or oval resting-spores; about 100 m in
diameter; with, at maturity, moderately thick, brown walls not
differentiated into layers. Occurs in relation to the surface,
and in between the cells, of some rhizomes and the basal
regions of stems of Hornea lignieri.
Fig. 272. Palaeomycites horneae. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Muir of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Age: Early Devonian.
Indian records: Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.25,
Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi,
on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Palaeomycites minnesotensis (Rosendahl 1943)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 273
MycoBank No.: MB 483496.
Rhizophagites minnesotensis Rosendahl, Bulletin of Torrey
Botanical Club 70, p. 131, fig. 5. 1943.
Description (Rosendahl 1943, p. 131): Hyphae very tortuous
and with few unilateral projections, yellowish brown, uneven
in thickness, varying from 6.2 to 20.7 m in diameter, stalks of
the vesicles thin and mostly elongated, vesicles dark brown,
short pyriform to nearly spherical, varying in size from 42 x 46
to 68 x 61 m, average size 48 x 53 m, walls of mature vesicles
not perceptibly thicker at the base.
122 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 273. Palaeomycites minnesotensis. A. Holotype. Bar =
100 m, B. Detail of wall structure. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Springfield, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Age: Early Pleistocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.17,
Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi,
on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Palaeomycites minutus (Kar et al. 2010) comb. nov.
Fig. 274
MycoBank No.: MB 519907.
Archaeoglomus minutus Kar et al., Review of Palaeobotany
and Palynology 158, p. 245, pl. 1. fig. 3. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 245): Auxiliary cells develop at
terminal ends of hyphae, hyphae laterally branched, bear one
cell at each end, 10-12 x 8-20 m, wall about 1 m thick,
psilate.
Fig. 274. Palaeomycites minutus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, pl. 1, fig. 3, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Palaeomycites robustus (Kar 1979) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 275
MycoBank No.: MB 483251.
Aplanosporites robustus Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(1), p. 36, pl.
3, fig. 58. 1979.
Description (Kar 1979, p. 36): Spores originally subcircular
but due to irregular folds take various shapes, 68-127 m.
Spore coat up to 2 m thick, laevigate. A tail-like appendage
which seems to be remnant of hyphae present in most
specimens.
Fig. 275. Palaeomycites robustus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Barkhana, nala cutting, Ber Mota, Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Oligocene (Maniyara Fort Formation).
Indian records: Kar 1979, p. 36, pl. 3, figs. 58-62, Maniyara
Fort Formation (Oligocene), nala cutting near Ber Mota, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Singh & Saxena 1980, p. 278, Upper Siwalik
(Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road Section, Una
District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 175, pl. 1,
fig. 3, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain Road
Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1984,
p. 188-189, pl. 2, fig. 40, Lower-Middle Siwalik (Middle
Miocene-Early Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Kar 1985, p. 201, Maniyara Fort
Formation (Oligocene), near Ber Mota, Kutch District, Gujarat;
Kar 1990a, p. 204, Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia
Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole
No. 2, Tripura.
Genus: Palaeophoma Singhai 1974
MycoBank No.: MB 21213.
Type Species: Palaeophoma intertrappea Singhai 1974.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 123
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 94): Pycnidium brown, more or
less spherical; conidia 1-celled, hyaline, bent or curved or
lunate or spherical, thick-walled; pycnidium
pseudoparenchymatous, ostiole not seen.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Palaeophoma intertrappea Singhai 1974
Fig. 276
MycoBank No.: MB 319131.
Description (Singhai 1974, p. 94): Pycnidium brown and
spherical, measuring 224 x 200 m, thick-walled (12-32 m)
and pseudoparenchymatous; ostiole not seen. Conidia 1-
celled, hyaline, bent or curved or lunate or spherical, thin
walled and smooth, measuring 5-8 x 2-4 m.
Fig. 276. Palaeophoma intertrappea. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh,
India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Singhai 1974, p. 94, Late Cretaceous,
Maastrichtian, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Genus: Palaeophthora Singhai 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21214.
Type Species: Palaeophthora mohgaonensis Singhai 1978.
Description (Singhai 1978, p. 483): Mycelium intracellular,
branched, aseptate, sporangia either isolate or in organic
connection at the tip of the mycelium, rounded or elongated,
columella not present; sexual reproduction heterogamous,
represented by rounded oogonia and narrow tube-like
antheridia; oogonium having sac-like bodies on its wall;
oospore (zygospore) with thick and rough outer wall.
Classification: Phycomycetes, Peronosporales.
Species: Palaeophthora mohgaonensis Singhai 1978
Fig. 277
MycoBank No.: MB 113297.
Description (Singhai 1978, p. 483): Mycelium intracellular, 2.5-
5 m broad, aseptate, branched; detached sporangia 12-25
m long and 5-10 m broad, sporangia in organic connection
at the tip of the mycelium 7.6 m in diameter, columella absent,
spores present only in the detached sporangia; narrow
elongated antheridia 14 x 5 m; oogonium spherical 12 x 11
m; oospore (zygospore) rounded, with rough and thick outer
wall, 11 m in diameter.
Fig. 277. Palaeophthora mohgaonensis. Bar = 25 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Singhai 1978, p. 483, pl. 1, figs. 1-5, Late
Cretaceous, Maastrichtian, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara
District, Madhya Pradesh.
Remarks: The holotype is represented by three slides in
author’s collection, nos. 41, 64 and 80.
Genus: Palaeosordaria Sahni & Rao 1943
MycoBank No.: MB 21216.
Type Species: Palaeosordaria lagena Sahni & Rao 1943.
Description (Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 46): Fossil fungi referable
to the Sordariaceae. Perithecia free, flask-shaped, attached to
a septate mycelium.
Classification: Pyrenomycetes, Sphaeriales, Sordariaceae.
Species: Palaeosordaria lagena Sahni & Rao 1943
Fig. 278
MycoBank No.: MB 319133.
Description (Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 46): Perithecia black, flask-
shaped; body smooth and spherical, about 140 m in diameter,
external surface reticulate; neck tapering, about 180 m long,
with traces of short hairs round the tip. The wall is composed
of one layer of cells. Mycelium septate.
124 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 278. Palaeosordaria lagena. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sausar, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh,
India.
Age: Early Tertiary (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 46, pl. 2, fig. 13, pl. 3,
figs. 22-23, text-fig. 5, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Early
Tertiary), Sausar, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Paleoslimacomyces Kalgutkar & Sigler 1995
MycoBank No.: MB 27617.
Type species: Paleoslimacomyces canadensis Kalgutkar &
Sigler 1995.
Description (Kalgutkar & Sigler 1995, p. 521): Conidia simple,
solitary, helicoid, curved to hemi-circinate, brown to fuscous,
smooth. Conidia 2-3 septate; septa dark, often thick; conidial
filaments short, made up of 3-4 broadly curved cells; cells,
except the apical cell, darkly-pigmented; apical cell hyaline to
pale brown.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Species: Paleoslimacomyces wilcoxii (Elsik 1968)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 279
MycoBank No.: MB 483500.
Involutisporonites wilcoxii Elsik, Pollen Spores 10(2), p. 277,
pl. 3, fig. 7. 1968.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 277): Coiled, psilate, monoporate
fungal spores of 6 cells. Maximum dimension 26 m. Wall 0.5
m thick except apical chamber, which has walls about 0.2 m
thick. Wall darkly pigmented except for apical chamber, which
is much lighter. Septa twice as thick as wall, two layered. Pore
ca. 1 m in diameter.
Fig. 279. Paleoslimacomyces wilcoxii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 11 km south-west of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas,
U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene (Rockdale lignite).
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Genus: Papulosporonites Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964
MycoBank No.: MB 21220.
Type Species: Papulosporonites sphaeromorphus
Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964.
Description (Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964, p. 686): Fungal
remains of globular to elongate shape, consisting of numerous
more or less polygonal cells that are firmly fused into mulberry-
shaped aggregates. Cells without any regular order, or
concentrically arranged. No differentiation of an outer wall
layer; however, one to three of the innermost cells commonly
much larger. Occasionally individual aggregates fused
together. (Jansonius & Hills 1977, card no. 3379).
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Papulosporonites mohgaoensis (Chitaley & Yawale
1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 280
MycoBank No.: MB 483503.
Sorosporium mohgaoense Chitaley & Yawale, Botanique 7(4),
p. 190, pl. 1, fig. 1. 1978.
Description (Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 190): The spore balls
are deeply buried in the host tissue and look reddish brown
to pale yellow. They are egg-shaped consisting of 5 to 25
spores. The spores are more or less permanently united and
the balls are not covered by a sterile sheath or any
pseudomembrane. No sterile cells are present inside the spore
balls. Size of spore balls varies from 17-21 x 35-46 m. Individual
spores are globose in shape but because of compression they
look polyhedral. Germ pores are observed in many of them.
However, the mycelium is not seen. Spores are 5.3 to 10.6 m
with an average of 8 m in diameter, globose to ovoid,
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 125
polyhedral in balls, without any contents, epispore smooth,
0.3-0.7 m.
Fig. 280. Papulosporonites mohgaoensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian
Indian records: Chitaley & Yawale 1978, p. 190, pl. 1, fig. 1,
Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian, Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara
District, Madhya Pradesh; Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692,
fig. 3.33, Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of
Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District,
Gujarat.
Species: Papulosporonites multicellatus (Saxena & Singh
1982a) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 281
MycoBank No.: MB 483504.
Staphlosporonites multicellatus Saxena & Singh,
Geophytology 12(2), p. 295, pl. 2, fig. 28. 1982a.
Description (Saxena & Singh 1982, p. 295): Fungal spores
circular to subcircular, size range 58-80 x 40-80 m. Multicellate,
number of cells more than 25 in each spore, individual cell
polygonal in shape and about 5-8 m in size. Inaperturate.
Septa very thin. Spore wall up to 2 m thick, psilate, sometimes
weakly granulose.
Fig. 281. Papulosporonites multicellatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, near Bankhandi,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab, India.
Age: Pliocene (Upper Siwalik).
Indian records: Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 295, pl. 2, figs. 28-
29, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section,
Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal
Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1988, p. 277, pl. 2, figs. 23, 27, Pinjor
Formation (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur Section, Ambala
District, Haryana; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli
Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal
Pradesh; Saxena & Sarkar 2000, p. 257, Siju Formation (Middle
Eocene), Simsang River Section near Siju, South Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 691,
Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi,
on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Papulosporonites siwalikus (Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1987) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 282
MycoBank No.: MB 483506.
Staphlosporonites siwalikus Saxena & Bhattacharyya,
Palaeobotanist 35(2), p. 193, pl. 1, fig. 12. 1987.
Description (Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 193): Fungal
spores subcircular in shape, size range 61-77 x 52-70 m.
Multicellate, septa very thick, thicker than spore wall,
individual cells circular- polygonal, small in size. Spore wall
psilate.
Fig. 282. Papulosporonites siwalikus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kala Amb-Nahan area, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Miocene (Lower Siwalik-Nahan).
Indian records: Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1987, p. 193, pl. 1,
figs. 12, 14, Lower Siwalik-Nahan and Upper Siwalik (Middle
Miocene-Pliocene), Kala Amb-Nahan Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Papulosporonites subcircularis (Chandra et al.
1984) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 283
MycoBank No.: MB 483507.
126 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Staphlosporonites subcircularis Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 48, pl. 2, fig. 17-18. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 48): Subcircular to oval
fungal spores having eight or more, polygonal, irregularly
arranged cells; size range 15-42 x 13-30 m; inaperturate; septa
thicker than spore wall; spore wall 1 m thick; psilate, pigment
medium to dark.
Fig. 283. Papulosporonites subcircularis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 48, pl. 2, fig. 17-18,
Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long.
69°17.2'E), Arabian Sea.
Genus: Paramicrothallites Jain & Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.: MB 21221.
Type Species: Paramicrothallites spinulatus (Dilcher 1965)
Jain & Gupta 1970.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 179): Stroma radiate, more
or less rounded, ostiolate, ostiole not surrounded by
specialized cells, free hyphae absent.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) considered
Paramicrothallites Jain & Gupta 1970 a junior synonym of
Asterothyrites Cookson 1947.
Species: Paramicrothallites edvensis Rao & Ramanujam
1976
MycoBank No.: MB 319186.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Asterothyrites Cookson 1947 [See: Asterothyrites
edvensis (Rao & Ramanujam 1976) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Paramicrothallites konkanensis Saxena & Misra
1990
MycoBank No.: MB 483357.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Asterothyrites Cookson 1947 [See: Asterothyrites
konkanensis (Saxena & Misra 1990) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Species: Paramicrothallites menonii Jain & Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.: MB 319187.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Asterothyrites Cookson 1947 [See: Asterothyrites
menonii (Jain & Gupta 1970) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Paramicrothallites spinulatus (Dilcher 1965) Jain
& Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.: MB 319188.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Asterothyrites Cookson 1947 [See: Asterothyrites
spinulatus (Dilcher 1965) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Parmathyrites Jain & Gupta 1970
MycoBank No.: MB 21223.
Type Species: Parmathyrites indicus Jain & Gupta 1970.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 177): Ascomata flattened,
non-ostiolate; ± circular, one layer thick; hyphae radially
arranged, interconnected, forming pseudoparenchymatous
non-porate cells. Outer peripheral cells prominent with
thickened radial walls, spines peripheral, spine sheath present
or absent. Ascospore unknown.
Emended Description (Jain 1974, p. 44): Ascomata ostiolate,
flattened, circular, one layer thick, hyphae radially arranged,
interconnected, forming pseudoparenchymatous non-porate
cells. Outer peripheral cells prominent with thickened radial
walls, spines peripheral, spine sheath present or absent,
ascospores unknown. Ostiole distinct, not surrounded by
any specialized cells.
Emended Description (Gupta 1994, p. 251): Ascomata ostiolate
or nonostiolate, generally circular-subcircular, flattened, one
cell layer thick; hyphae radially arranged, interconnected,
forming pseudoparenchyma; spines peripheral, spine sheath
present or absent, ascospores unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Parmathyrites indicus Jain & Gupta 1970
Fig. 284
MycoBank No.: MB 319220.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 178): Ascomata flattened,
circular, 180-190 m in diameter, solitary, one-layer thick,
radiating hyphae connected throughout whole length, central
portion not well preserved, ascomata non-ostiolate. Central
cells squarish, marginal ones rectangular. Cell walls thin, each
peripheral cell developed into a long spine-like process. Spines
about 70 in number around the periphery, unequal in size, 20-
50 m long, pointed at the apex, broader at base, walls thick,
fused radially at the base, free on the upper side. Ascospore
unknown.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 127
Fig. 284. Parmathyrites indicus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam, Kerala.
Age: Early Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 178, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Early
Miocene, Padappakkara, Kollam District, Kerala; Jain & Kar
1979, p. 107, pl. 1, fig. 13, Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala,
Kerala; Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 49, pl. 2, fig. 24, Kasauli
Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Varma 1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 6, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Bhattacharya 1987, p. 120, Early Eocene, Rajpardi, Broach
District, Gujarat; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 4,
Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk
Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Rajendran et al. 1989,
p. 42, pl. 1, figs. 7, 16, pl. 2 fig. 22, Miocene, Padappakkara,
Kerala; Kar 1990b, p. 232, pl. 2, fig. 19, Disang Formation
(Palaeocene-Eocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam;
Kumaran et al. 1995, p. 1024, fig. 3m, Warkalli Formation
(Miocene), Bharathi and Kundra Clay Mines, Kerala; Rao 1995,
p. 233, pl. 1, fig. 3, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts,
Kerala; Rao 1996, p. 156, Early Miocene, Turavur Borehole
near Panchayat L.P. School, west of N.H. 47 between 380 and
381 km, Alleppey District, Kerala; Chandra & Kumar 1998, p.
62, pl. 1, fig. 17, Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project
Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52,
Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road area, Kollam District,
Kerala; Rao 2000, p. 295, Kherapara Formation (Oligocene),
Tura-Dalu Road Section near Kherapara, West Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Saxena & Sarkar 2000, p. 257, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Middle Siju Formation (Eocene), Simsang River Section near
Siju, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar 2002b,
p. 21, pl. 2, fig. 16, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene),
Borjan Coalfield, Nagaland; Rao 2004, p. 124, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Parmathyrites ramanujamii Singh et al. 1986
Fig. 285
MycoBank No.: MB 131933.
Description (Singh et al. 1986, p. 96): Ascomata circular to
subcircular, non-ostiolate, size 80-90 m in diameter. Hyphae
radially arranged, interconnected, forming
pseudoparenchymatous non-porate cells. Central and
marginal cells being squarish and rectangular, respectively.
Outer peripheral cells prominent with thickened radial walls,
each peripheral cell developing into a spine-like process;
spines unequal, 5-15 m long, pointed at the apex and broader
at the base, about 40 in number; wall thick, radially fused at
the base forming a continuous peripheral sheath around
ascomata. Ascospores unknown.
Fig. 285. Parmathyrites ramanujamii. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Meghalaya and
Assam, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 96, pl. 1, figs. 8-9, Umkiang
Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Rao 1995, p. 233-234, pl. 1, fig. 9, Tertiary,
Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala; Saxena & Rao 1996, p.
46, Boldamgiri Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia
Road near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya;
Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52, Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road
area, Kollam District, Kerala; Mandaokar 2000a, p. 320, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near Chandmari,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Rao 2000, p. 295, Kherapara
128 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Formation (Oligocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section near
Kherapara, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Mandaokar
2002b, p. 21, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Borjan
Coalfield, Nagaland; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 2, fig. 8, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Species: Parmathyrites robustus Jain & Kar 1979
Fig. 286
MycoBank No.: MB 112509.
Description (Jain & Kar 1979, p. 107): Ascostromata dimidiate,
60-110 m; central pseudoparenchymatous cells thickened,
sometimes porate, non-ostiolate. Marginal cells spinose,
spines robust, closely placed, radiate, tips pointed.
Fig. 286. Parmathyrites robustus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Chillakur Village, Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 107, pl. 1, fig. 14, pl. 2, fig.
34, Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Bhattacharya
1987, p. 120, Early Eocene, Rajpardi, Broach District, Gujarat;
Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 41, 43, 44, pl. 1, fig. 1, Miocene,
Tonakkal, Kundra, Edavai, Paravur, Kannur, Palayangadi,
Kerala; Kar 1990a, p. 179, Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene),
Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura
Borehole No. 2, Tripura; Kar & Bhattacharya 1992, p. 251,
Early Eocene, Rajpardi lignite, Bharuch District, Gujarat.
Species: Parmathyrites tonakkalensis Patil & Ramanujam
1988
Fig. 287
MycoBank No.: MB 519793.
Description (Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 264): Ascomata
brownish to dark-brown, flattened, one-layered mostly, more
or less rounded, 87 m in diameter. Ostiolate, ostiole small,
irregular, 5-8 m, centric. Cells of ascomata angular (3-5 m in
diameter) towards ostiole, elongate (21-34 m) and locally
furcate towards peripheral margin. Each marginal cell drawn
out into a robust, sharply pointed spine, marginal spines 11-
17 m long, often with bulbous bases.
Fig. 287. Parmathyrites tonakkalensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Tonakkal, Kerala, India.
Age: Neogene.
Indian records: Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 264, pl. 1, fig. 6,
Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Parmathyrites turaensis Kar et al. 1972
Fig. 288
MycoBank No.: MB 319221.
Description (Kar et al. 1972, p. 149): Ascomata circular to
subcircular, ostiolate, mostly dark brown, one-layered, 40-80
m. Hyphae in the central part arranged to form a
pseudoparenchymatous structure which is distinct from
peripheral tissue. Development of radially elongated cells from
central polygonal ones is gradual. Outer peripheral cells
generally more thickened and provided with spine-like
projections; spines are very well developed, up to 6 m long
with bulbous base and pointed tip. In some specimens, a few
stromata are found together. Polygonal to rounded cells in
central region are bigger than the rest and may form an
ostiolate structure.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 129
Fig. 288. Parmathyrites turaensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Damalgiri, Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India.
Age: Tertiary.
Indian records: Kar et al. 1972, p. 149, pl. 2, fig. 17, Tura
Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Mandaokar
2005, p. 55, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Ledo
Colliery, Makum Coalfield, Assam.
Genus: Perisporiacites Felix 1894
MycoBank No.: MB 21226.
Type species: Perisporiacites larundae Felix 1894.
Description (combined description, Felix 1894, p. 271): The
vessels of an Eocene deciduous wood specimen, originating
from Perekeschkul near Baku, which I had described as
Taenioxylon porosum and which probably belongs to the
Leguminosae, contained spherical and ellipsoidal bodies that
must be regarded as the perithecia of an ascomycete. They
most closely resemble the perithecia of the Perisporiaceae; I
describe them, therefore, as Perisporiacites. Their surface is
covered with irregular, cellular, predominantly worm-shaped
markings. Preparations and pictures of the perithecia of recent
forms from the named groups available to me, show that their
superficial markings are always much more regular; but
considering that these perithecia are formed by the fusion of
adjacent mycelial filaments, then the occurrence of irregular
worm-shaped markings is not surprising. A nearly perfectly
round perithecium (fig. 3a) is 0.06 mm (60 m) in diameter, the
oblong perithecia are 0.04-0.05 mm (40-50 m) wide and 0.06-
0.07 mm (60-70 m) long. All these specimens are empty. The
same polished section also contains conidia and mycelia of a
hyphomycete that will be described later as Haplophragmites.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Erysiphales, Perisporiaceae.
Species: Perisporiacites varians Sahni & Rao 1943
Fig. 289
MycoBank No.: MB 319365.
Description (Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 45): Perithecia black,
spherical to ellipsoid, varying from about 85 to 95 m in length
and about 70 to 80 m in their shorter diameter; external surface
marked with a reticulum of irregular-shaped cells; mode of
dehiscence unknown. Mycelium branched, cells as a rule
several times longer than wide, occasionally elliptical, forming
short chains (? spores). Clamps present, hook like.
Fig. 289. Perisporiacites varians. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sausar, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh,
India.
Age: Early Tertiary (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 45, pl. 2, figs. 11-12, text-
fig. 6, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Early Tertiary), Sausar,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Phomites Fritel 1910
MycoBank No.: MB 21242.
Type Species: Phomites myricae Fritel 1910.
Description (Fritel 1910, p. 14): An Imperfect Fungus with a
subcutaneous perithecium, erumpent (breaking out after
having darkened), membranous, somewhat leathery or even
semi-woody; globular or flattened, without a beak; ostiole
small or rudimentary.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Phomites ebenoxyloni Chitaley & Patil 1972
Fig. 290
MycoBank No.: MB 320161.
Description (Chitaley & Patil 1972, p. 104): Fruiting body a
pycnidium, globoid, black, ostiolate, single or in groups,
130 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
sunken in cortex of host, each 150-250 m in size;
conidiospores many, black, produced in chains on
conidiophores arising from inner wall of fruiting body.
Chlamydospores in chains, terminal or intercalary, round to
oval, each 6-9 m in size. Mycelium branched, septate; hyphae
17-22 m long, 4-6 m wide, inter- and intracellular; haustorium
branched, present in ray cells of host.
Fig. 290. Phomites ebenoxyloni. A. Hhypha and inter- and
intracellular mycelium with haustorium, B. Chlamydospores,
terminal and intercalary chains, C. Fruiting body, partly sunken
in cortex, D. Grouped immature fruiting bodies, E. Fruiting
body in plan view, with a few spores, (not to scale).
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean beds).
Indian records: Chitaley & Patil 1972, p. 103-104, pl. 1, figs. 4-
7, text-figs. 2, 8-13, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Late
Cretaceous), Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh.
Genus: Phragmothyrites Edwards 1922 emend. Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21244.
Type Species: Phragmothyrites eocaenicus Edwards 1922.
Microthallites Dilcher 1965.
Description (Edwards 1922, p. 67): Fossil forms belonging to
the Microthyriaceae, the exact position of which is uncertain,
but which appear to be most closely related to
Phragmothyrium as defined by Von Höhnel.
Emended Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 7): No free
hyphae; ascostromata subcircular-circular, dimidiate, non-
ostiolate; hyphae radially arranged, interconnected to form
pseudoparenchymatous cells; central cells ± squarish-
subcircular, outer cells elongated, may be setose at margin
and thickened. Cells with or without pore, generally cells in
the middle region are more porate than outer ones.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 229):
Ascomata subcircular to circular, astomate, with radially
arranged hyphae that interconnect laterally to form a
pseudoparenchymatous tissue. Hyphal cells uniform in shape
or size, or showing various development in different regions
of the ascoma, e.g. elongated rectangular, or isodiametric.
Central cell, or cells in the immediate central area, may be
cubical, hexagonal or subcircular; however, never developed
into a circular region of thick-walled isodiametric cells in the
central area of the ascoma (as is characteristic of
Microthyriacites).
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Phragmothyrites assamicus (Kar et al.) Saxena et
al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 519815.
Remarks: See: Callimothallus assamicus Kar et al. 1972.
Species: Phragmothyrites cooksoniae (Rao & Ramanujam
1976) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 291
MycoBank No.: MB 483512.
Microthallites cooksoniae Rao & Ramanujam, Geophytology
6(1), p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 10. 1976
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 100): Free mycelium
absent. Ascomata somewhat rounded, flattened, up to 90 m
in diameter, non-ostiolate, 2-5 wedge-shaped cells at the centre,
ascomata with simple or forked radial rows of cells, 2.5-4 m
broad and 3.5-6 m long, radial walls of cells prominently
thickened and appearing as straight reinforcements,
tangential walls very thin.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 131
Fig. 291. Phragmothyrites cooksoniae. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Warkalli lignite).
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 10,
Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala; Pathak &
Banerjee 1984, p. 250, pl. 2, fig. 24, Geabdat Sandstone
(Neogene), Darjeeling District, West Bengal.
Species: Phragmothyrites edwardsii (Rao 1958) Kar et al.
1972
Fig. 292
MycoBank No.: MB 320232.
Microthyriacites edwardsii Rao 1958, p. 45, pl. 1, fig. 4 (non
figs. 7-10).
Phragmothyrites edwardsii (Rao 1958) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius, AASP Contribution Series 39, p. 230-231. 2000,
non (Rao 1958) Kar et al. 1972.
Description (Rao 1958, p. 45): Thyriothecia flat, dimidiate,
superficial, up to 90 m in diameter, central cells more or less
hexagonal, outer cells radially arranged, elongated, peripheral
cells cleft, stigmatocysts shield-shaped. No mycelia or ostiole
seen.
Emended Description (Kar et al. 1972, p. 150): Ascomata
subcircular, 70-120 m, margin uneven,
pseudoparenchymatous, cells well developed, cell wall
thickened, radially elongated throughout.
Fig. 292. Phragmothyrites edwardsii. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Rao 1958, p. 45, pl. 1, figs. 7-10, Warkalli lignite
(Miocene), Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Kar
et al. 1972, p. 150, pl. 2, fig. 22, Tura Formation (Palaeocene),
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Dutta & Singh 1980, p. 620, pl. 1, figs.
9-10, Siwalik Group-Units B-C (Late Miocene-Pliocene),
Bhalukpong-Bomdila Section, Kameng District, Arunachal
Pradesh; Mehrotra 1983, p. 17, pl. 4, fig. 4, Mikir Formation
(Palaeocene-Early Eocene), Garampani, North Cachar Hills,
Assam; Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 20, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Remarks: The absence of a central core of thick walled cells
in the thyriothecia of this species, and their structural nature
led Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) to agree with Kar et al.
(1972) on transferring Microthyriacites edwardsii Rao 1958
to Phragmothyrites. However, they did not consider the new
combination as validly published for the lack of citation of
basionym. Since the basionym citation for valid publication
of a new combination became mandatory only from 1 January
2007, we here consider the combination published by Kar et
al. (1972) as validly published.
Species: Phragmothyrites eocaenicus Edwards 1922
Fig. 293
MycoBank No.: MB 264006.
Description (Edwards 1922, p. 67): Thyriothecia circular,
radiate, with entire margin, scattered singly (rarely
concrescent) on the leaf surface; stigmocysts circular and
deeply crenulate; ascospores? 5-celled; mycelium? absent or
evanescent. The discoid bodies, the ascostromata, occur
singly, or rarely in concrescent pairs, on the upper surface of
the leaf, and in some preparations are scattered over it in
considerable numbers. They are usually practically circular,
132 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
and the largest specimen is about 165 m in diameter. They
have a regularly radiate structure and the margin is entire, or
very slightly crenate, but not fimbriate. None of the specimens
show a definite ostiole. There is no mycelium on the surface
of the leaf, but stigmocysts are abundant and all stages of
growth are to be found between them and the largest of the
ascomata. The stigmocysts (unicellular capitate hyphopodia)
are circular and deeply crenulate, about 10-12 m in diameter,
and the clear central spot is usually distinctly seen. No asci
were found, but two 4-5 celled spores in the vicinity of the
ascostromata were noted.
Emended Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 9): Ascostromata
subcircular-circular, no free hyphae observed, dimidiate, non-
ostiolate, hyphae radially arranged and interconnected with
each other to form mostly one-cell thick
pseudoparenchymatous cells. Cells in the middle region are
less elongated than marginal ones; cell walls ± uniformly thick
throughout or marginal cells thicker and setose. Pores
generally present or sometimes absent, cells uniporate, central
cells generally more porate than outer ones.
Fig. 293. Phragmothyrites eocaenicus. Bar = 60 m.
Locality: Mull, Scotland.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 179, pl. 1, figs. 1-
5, Naredi Formation (Early Eocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 9, pl. 3, fig. 20,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Kar 1979, p. 31, Maniyara Fort Formation
(Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near Sarangwara, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 107, pl. 1, figs. 1-7, pl. 2,
fig. 19, Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Dutta &
Singh 1980, p. 620, Siwalik Group-Units B-C (Late Miocene-
Pliocene), Bhalukpong-Bomdila Section, Kameng District,
Arunachal Pradesh; Kar & Saxena 1981, p. 106, Middle-Late
Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat;
Mehrotra 1983, p. 17, pl. 4, fig. 11, Mikir Formation (Palaeocene-
Early Eocene), Garampani, North Cachar Hills, Assam; Singh
& Sarkar 1984a, p. 98, pl. 2, fig. 30, Miocene, Ramshahr Well-
1, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 187,
pl. 2, fig. 34, Lower-Middle Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Early
Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal
Pradesh; Kar 1985, p. 130, Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria,
Kutch District, Gujarat; Singh et al. 1986, p. 94, pl. 1, figs. 1-2,
pl. 2, fig. 15, Barail-Surma Groups (Oligocene-Early Miocene),
Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and
Cachar District, Assam; Siddhanta 1986, p. 64, pl. 5, fig. 48,
Neyveli Formation (Palaeocene-Eocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu; Saxena et al. 1988, p. 276, pl. 2, fig. 26,
Pinjor Formation (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur Section, Ambala
District, Haryana; Bhattacharya 1987, p. 120, Early Eocene,
Rajpardi, Broach District, Gujarat; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p. 60,
pl. 6, figs. 19-20, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-
Bagthan area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Rajendran
et al. 1989, p. 41, 42, 43, 44, pl. 1, fig. 6, pl. 2, fig. 39, Miocene,
Tonakkal, Kundra, Padappakkara, Varkala, Edavai, Paravur,
Kannur, Palayangadi, Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p. 72, pl. 2, fig. 14,
pl. 3, fig. 13, Therria and Kopili formations (Palaeocene-
Eocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills District,
Meghalaya; Kar 1990a, p. 179, pl. 8, fig. 119, Surma and Tipam
groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole
No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura; Kar 1990b, p.
232, 233, 236, 238, 240, pl. 1, fig. 13, pl. 2, figs. 7, 11, Disang,
Laisong, Jenam, Renji and Bhuban formations (Palaeocene-
Early Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam; Saxena
& Misra 1990, p. 265, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Mandaokar 1991,
p. 26, Early Miocene, north of Maibong Railway Station, North
Cachar Hills District, Assam; Kar & Bhattacharya 1992, p.
251, Rajpardi lignite (Early Eocene), Bharuch District, Gujarat;
Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil
Nadu; Ambwani 1993, p. 153, Palaeocene-Early Eocene,
Rekmangiri Coalfield, Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Kar et al. 1994,
p. 187, Tertiary, subsurface sediments in Upper Assam; Sarkar
et al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik (Late Miocene), Bagh Rao,
Dehradun District, Uttarakhand; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52,
pl. 1, fig. 25, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan
District, Himachal Pradesh; Kumaran et al. 1995; p. 1024,
Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Bharathi and Kundra Clay
Mines, Kerala; Rao 1995, p. 233, pl. 1, fig. 1, Tertiary, Alleppey
and Kannur districts, Kerala; Tripathi 1995, p. 47, Palaeocene-
Eocene, subsurface sediments near Kapurdi, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Kumar 1996, p. 114, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early
Eocene), Rajpardi, Bharuch District, Gujarat; Mandal et al.
1996, p. 80, age not mentioned, mud volcano in Baratang
Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Rao 1996, p. 156, Early
Miocene, Turavur Borehole near Panchayat L.P. School, west
of N.H. 47 between 380 and 381 km, Alleppey District, Kerala;
Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, Boldamgiri Formation (Early
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 133
Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri, West
Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Samant & Phadtare 1997, p.
68, pl. 14, fig. 17, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene),
Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Sarkar 1997, p. 102, 104, 108,
Subathu Formation (Eocene), 20 km southeast of Bilaspur on
Shimla-Bilaspur Highway, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 56, pl. 3, fig. 5, Late Tertiary, Site
218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52, pl. 1, fig. 24, Miocene,
Kannanellur-Kundra Road area, Kollam District, Kerala;
Mandaokar 1999, p. 241, Disang Group (Late Eocene), Tirap
River Section, Tinsukia District, Assam; Mandaokar 2000a, p.
320, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near
Chandmari, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 2000b, p.
181, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery,
Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields, Dibrugarh District, Assam;
Mandaokar 2000c, p. 38, pl. 1, fig. 9, Tikak Parbat Formation
(Late Oligocene), Namchik River Section, Changlang District,
Arunachal Pradesh; Rao 2000, p. 295, Kherapara Formation
(Oligocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section near Kherapara, West
Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig.
20, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar,
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig.
2.14, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat;
Sarkar & Prasad 2000a, p. 171, Subathu Formation (Late
Ypresian-Middle Lutetian), Koshalia Nala Section near Koti,
Shimla Hills, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar &
Prasad 2000b, p. 147, Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian-
Middle Lutetian), west bank of Ghaggar river near Kharak
village, Morni Hills, Haryana; Saxena 2000, p. 163, pl. 2, fig.
13, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena & Sarkar 2000, p.
257, Siju Formation (Middle Eocene), Simsang River Section
near Siju, South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Tripathi et al.
2000, p. 243, Tura Formation (Early Eocene), Tura-Dalu Road,
West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Kumar et al. 2001, p.
244, Barail Group (Oligocene), Tinali Well-7, Upper Assam;
Tripathi 2001, p. 567, fig. 3D, Rajmahal Formation (Early
Cretaceous), Borehole RJNE-32, depth 95.50 m, Rajmahal
Basin, Bihar; Singh & Kar 2002, p. 214, pl. 1, fig. 9, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene), 3 km northeast of Papro
village, Latitpur District, Uttar Pradesh; Mandaokar 2002a, p.
116, Dulte Formation (Early Miocene), 2 km from Dulte village
on Dulte-Keifang Road, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar
2002b, p. 21, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Borjan
Coalfield, Nagaland; Mandal et al. 2003, p. 102, 104, Baratang
Formation (Eocene), Baratang Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Islands; Singh & Kar 2003, p. 219, pl. 2, fig. 5, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene), northeast of Papro, Lalitpur
District, Uttar Pradesh; Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong
Sandstone (Late Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North
Cachar Hills, Assam; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 3, fig. 14, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Mandaokar 2005, p. 55, Tikak Parbat Formation
(Late Oligocene), Ledo Colliery, Makum Coalfield, Assam Kar
et al. 2010, p. 245, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam,
Mizoram.
Species: Phragmothyrites lutosus (Dilcher 1965) Kar &
Saxena 1976
Fig. 294
MycoBank No.: MB 112563.
Microthallites lutosus Dilcher, Palaeontographica Abt. B. 116,
p. 16, pl. 10, figs. 84-85. 1965.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 16): Stroma 25-40 m in diameter,
radiate, more or less circular, non-ostiolate, lacks free hyphae,
margin irregular, more or less fimbriate. Stroma consists of
radiating rows of cells, 1.5-5 x 2-7 m, square to slightly
rectangular, dichotomizing 2-3 times marginally. A single thick-
walled cell 3-5 m in diameter, present centrally on the upper
surface of the stroma. No spores found. Found on the upper
epidermis of Sapindus sp.
Fig. 294. Phragmothyrites lutosus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Mull, Scotland.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 9, Bhuj-Lakhpat Road,
Matanomadh Village, Kutch District, Gujarat; Saxena &
Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.22, Intertrappean Beds (Early
Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar
Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Phragmothyrites quilonensis (Jain & Gupta) Kar
& Saxena 1976
MycoBank No.: MB 112564.
Remarks: See: Callimothallus quilonensis Jain & Gupta 1970.
134 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Phragmothyrites ramanujamii Samant in Saxena
2009
Fig. 295
MycoBank No.: MB 515003.
Phragmothyrites ramanujamii Samant 2000
Description (Samant 2000, p. 15): Ascomata discoidal; about
65-120m in diameter; non-ostiolate; hyphal cells radiating;
individual cell nonporate, rectangular to squarish, thick-
walled; marginal cells bigger, hyaline and smooth.
Fig. 295. Phragmothyrites ramanujamii. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 21, Kharsalia
Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin,
Gujarat.
Species: Phragmothyrites serratus Saxena & Khare 1992
Fig. 296
MycoBank No.: MB 483895.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39): Ascostromata
circular to subcircular, non-ostiolate; size 45-73 x 42-72 m;
hyphae radiating, septate, interconnected, forming ill-
developed pseudoparenchymatous tissue; cells polygonal,
squarish to rectangular, sometimes central cells possessing
single pore; marginal cells serrated and partially divided
longitudinally into two or three incomplete divisions,
imparting a serrated outline.
Fig. 296. Phragmothyrites serratus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, 45 km south of
Neyveli, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39-40, pl. 1, fig. 5,
Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well
12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Phragmothyrites suratensis Samant & Tapaswi
2000
Fig. 297
MycoBank No.: MB 519786.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29): Ascostromata
circular; 29-50 m in diameter; free hypha absent, nonostiolate,
cells polygonal in shape, wall of individual cell distinctly thick,
marginal cells with thin outer wall.
Fig. 297. Phragmothyrites suratensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Surat District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Surat lignite, Cambay Shale).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 135
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig. 2.15, Cambay
Shale (Early Eocene), Surat District, Gujarat.
Genus - Plochmopeltinites Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 21254.
Type Species - Plochmopeltinites masonii Cookson 1947.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 212): Fossil ascomata of
dimidiate form with ascomal membranes of sinuous
plectenchyma. Ascospore characters unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Cookson (1947a) stated that “The family
Micropeltaceae is distinguished from the Microthyriaceae and
Trichopeltaceae by the non-radiate construction of the
flattened ascomata. The structure of the ascomal membrane
or “scutellum” varies within the family and provides the basis
for its subdivision into three subfamilies (Stevans & Manter
1925).
Species: Plochmopeltinites cooksoniae Ramanujam & Rao
1973
Fig. 298
MycoBank No.: MB 320732.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 207): Ascomata
superficial, discoid, rounded, brown to reddish brown, 65-
166 m in diameter, ostiolate; ostiole 10-18.5 m in diameter,
irregular in shape, more or less centric, border dense, slightly
raised, of dark brown, thick-walled irregular cells; covering
membrane of ascomata plectenchymatous, consisting of
extremely sinuous, irregularly branched hyphae; hyphal cells
4-18 m long, considerably thick-walled (3.5-6 m), excepting
cells of peripheral layer. Margin of fruit body not entire, formed
of thin-walled membranous peripheral cells. Free hyphae, at
times extending from marginal cells of ascomata, wavy.
Emended Description (Reddy et al. 1982, p. 116): Ascomata
epiphyllous, discoid, more or less rounded to often somewhat
irregular in shape, dark brown to reddish brown, 85-150 m in
diameter, ostiolate; ostiole 10-18 m, rounded to irregular in
shape, centric or slightly sub-centric, formed of broken-down
central group of cells, ostiole border slightly elevated, made
up of 2 or 3 layers of dark brown, thick-walled, angular cells;
covering membrane of ascomata plectenchymatous,
comprising sinuous, irregularly branched and intertwining
hyphae showing a distinct but locally distorted radial pattern.
Many hyphal branches end blindly against adjacent hyphae,
hyphal branching more pronounced near margin. Cells in
individual hyphae narrow, elongated, of variable size. Margin
of fruiting body wavy, locally discontinuous, formed of close
juxtaposition of peripheral parts of hyphal cells. Free hyphae
present, extending locally beyond margin of ascoma, and
associated with marginal cells.
Fig. 298. Plochmopeltinites cooksoniae. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene (Warkalli Formation).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 207, pl. 3, figs. 22-
23, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala; Reddy et
al. 1982, p. 116-117, pl. 1, fig. 17, pl. 2, fig. 1, Neyveli lignite
(Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu; Patil &
Ramanujam 1988, p. 265, pl. 2, fig. 8, Miocene, Tonakkal,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Singh & Kar 2003, p.
219, pl. 2, fig. 7, Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene),
northeast of Papro, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh.
Species: Plochmopeltinites keralensis Patil & Ramanujam
1988
Fig. 299
MycoBank No.: MB 519796.
Description (Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 265): Ascomata
discoid, dark brown, rounded, 145-156 m in diameter.
Ostiolate, ostiole centric, small (3 m), of irregular shape,
without distinct border; covering membrane of ascomata
plectenchymatous, made up of slender (1.4-2 m thick),
sinuous, more or less radiating, irregularly branched hyphae,
cells in hyphae narrow, elongated, of variable size. Margin of
ascoma irregular because of many free hyphae projecting from
it. Free hyphae arising from marginal cells numerous, simple
or branched, hyaline or brownish and wavy.
136 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 299. Plochmopeltinites keralensis. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala,
India.
Age: Neogene
Indian records: Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 265, pl. 2, fig. 9,
Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Genus: Pluricellaesporites van der Hammen 1954a emend.
Elsik & Jansonius 1974
MycoBank No.: MB 21255.
Type Species: Pluricellaesporites typicus van der Hammen
1954a (designated by van der Hammen 1954b, p. 14).
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 104): Fungal spores
composed of several grains or cells aligned along a single
axis. (Jansonius & Hills 1976, card no. 2047).
Restated Description (Clarke (1965, p. 90): Fungal spores
uniseriate, individuals consisting of five to many cells, cells
flattened at common boundary, convex on sides, each cell
connected by a slit-like opening through the septa.
Emended Description (Elsik 1968, p. 276): Monoporate, psilate
fungal or algal spores of three or more cells. Symmetrical or
nearly symmetrical around one long axis. Two or more septa.
(Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 46): Monoporate, psilate to scabrate
fungal or algal spores of three or more cells; two or more
septa. Cells linear along one long axis.
Emended Description (Elsik & Jansonius 1974, p. 955): Fungal
spores of three or more cells, two or more septa, symmetrical
or very nearly so around the long axis. There is a single
aperture, pore, hilum or exitus, at one end. Septa may be entire,
perforate or split. Cells are short to long in relation to overall
spore length. Spore outline is lenticular, oval or cylindrical.
One or two cells at aporate end never constitute the bulk of
the spore. Exine is psilate to variously ornamented; if ornament
is present it is subdued, i.e. of low relief.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Pluricellaesporites alleppeyensis Ramanujam &
Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115085.
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 [See: Quilonia
alleppeyensis (Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Pluricellaesporites annulatus Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 300
MycoBank No.: MB 107177.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52): Elongated fungal
spores; size 49 x 20 m, hexacellate, cells elongated, rectangular,
5 septa, monoporate, pore surrounded by thick annulus, spore
wall less than 0.5 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 300. Pluricellaesporites annulatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52, pl. 2, fig. 33, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 2 (Lat. 18°35.2'N: Long. 69°17.2'E),
Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E), Arabian
Sea.
Species: Pluricellaesporites catenatus Ramanujam & Rao
1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115086.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Cercosporites Salmon 1903 [See: Cercosporites
catenatus (Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 137
Species: Pluricellaesporites ellipticus Mathur & Mathur
1969
MycoBank No.: MB 483856.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Mathurisporites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Mathurisporites ellipticus (Mathur & Mathur 1969)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Pluricellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi 2000,
non Kalgutkar 1997.
MycoBank No.: MB 515011.
Remarks: Pluricellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi 2000
is illegitimate, being junior homonym of Pluricellaesporites
elsikii Kalgutkar 1997. For this reason, Saxena (2009) replaced
it with a new name [See: Pluricellaesporites suratensis Saxena
2009].
Species: Pluricellaesporites eocenicus Samant & Tapaswi
2000
Fig. 301
MycoBank No.: MB 519789.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28): Fungal spores
oval in shape; tri to tetracellate; 36-35 X 15-18 m in size;
monoporate; pore small, about 2 m in diameter, pore margins
generally smooth sometimes ruptured, middle cells
rectangular in shape, size of individual cell variable; septate,
septa about 1-2 m thick, with or without pore; spore wall < 1
m in thick; smooth.
Fig. 301. Pluricellaesporites eocenicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Surat District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Cambay Shale).
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28, fig. 2.7, Cambay
Shale (Early Eocene), Surat District, Gujarat.
Species: Pluricellaesporites globatus Samant in Saxena
2009
Fig. 302
MycoBank No.: MB 515002.
Pluricellaesporites globatus Samant, Geophytology 28(1-2),
p. 15, pl. 1, figs. 22-23. 2000.
Description (Samant 2000, p. 15): Fungal spore globular in
shape; tetracellate; 46-49 x 28-33 m in size; terminal cell with
pore, pore thin margined, terminal cell smaller than rest of the
cells; septa about 2-4 m thick, septa wall curved or straight,
contact between septa and spore wall smooth; spore wall
about 1 m thick, smooth.
Fig. 302. Pluricellaesporites globatus. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Kharsalia Clay Formation).
Indian records: Samant 2000, p. 15, pl. 1, figs. 22-23, near
Bhavnagar, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), Cambay
Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Pluricellaesporites guptae Saxena 2009
Fig. 303
MycoBank No.: MB 515010.
Pluricellaesporites minutus Gupta, Tertiary Research 21, p.
138, pl. 2, fig. 22, text-fig. 2c. 2002, non Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 138): Spores three celled,
diseptate, uniseriate, porate, elongate and slightly curved,
14.5-24 m long, 6-11 m broad, pore situated at one terminal
end, granulate, surface folded, wall ca. 0.5 m thick.
Fig. 303. Pluricellaesporites guptae. Bar = 8 m.
138 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 138, pl. 2, fig. 22, Subathu
Formation (Late Palaeocene to Late Eocene), Dadahu Road
Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Pluricellaesporites hillsii Elsik 1968
Fig. 304
MycoBank No.: MB 519795.
Description (Elsik 1968, p. 276): Eight celled, psilate,
monoporate, spore 25 x 48 m. Apical chamber 5.6 m wide,
6.4 m long. Pore 1.5 m wide, compressed. Spore wall two
layered, 0.5 m thick. Outer layer of wall very thin.
Fig. 304. Pluricellaesporites hillsii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Strip mine approximately 7 miles southwest of
Rockdale, Milam County, Texas, U.S.A.
Age: Palaeocene.
Indian records: Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong
Sandstone (Late Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North
Cachar Hills, Assam.
Species: Pluricellaesporites himachalensis sp. nov.
Fig. 305
MycoBank No.: MB 519948.
Pluricellaesporites sp. in Saxena et al., Geophytology 14(2),
p. 187, pl. 2, fig. 33. 1984.
Description: Fungal spore light brown in colour, size 67-77 x
13-15 m, pentacellate, basal cells flattened, apex round with
a single pore, one end of the spore highly constricted to form
a cap-like structure, central cells bigger in size, septa disc like,
thin few longitudinal folds observed. Spore wall psilate, ±1
m thick.
Fig. 305. Pluricellaesporites himachalensis. Bar = 15 m.
Holotype: Saxena et al. 1984, pl. 2, fig. 33; slide no. 6849,
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Pliocene (Middle Siwalik).
Indian records: Saxena et al. 1984, p. 187, pl. 2, fig. 33, Middle
Siwalik (Early Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Pluricellaesporites karii Gupta 2002
Fig. 306
MycoBank No.: MB 540757.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 140): Spores four to six celled, 3-
5 septate, uniseriate, monoporate, elongate, wide at one end
and with a narrow, tube like, appendage at the other, 20-47 m
long, pore situated at free end of broader side, largely granulate
to subverrucose, sculpturing distinct at wider part but more
or less indistinct at appendage, surface folded, wall ca. 0.5 m
thick.
Fig. 306. Pluricellaesporites karii. Bar = 10 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 139
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 140, pl. 3, fig. 2, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Pluricellaesporites keralensis sp. nov.
Fig. 307
MycoBank No.: MB 519950.
Pluricellaesporites sp. in Jain & Kar, Palaeobotanist 26(2), p.
111, pl. 3, fig. 37. 1979.
Description: Spore fusiform, 132-150 x 27-30 m in size, seven-
celled, septa distinct, straight, operculum two-celled, spore
wall less than 1 m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 307. Pluricellaesporites keralensis. Bar = 30 m.
Holotype: Jain & Kar 1979, pl. 3, fig. 37; slide no. 5417/3, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111, pl. 3, fig. 37, Miocene,
around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala.
Species: Pluricellaesporites longicollus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 308
MycoBank No.: MB 111833.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 46): Tricellate, psilate
fungal spore, 6.0 x 24.2 m. Wall 1 m thick, light pigment, two
disk-shaped septa present. One end is highly tapered into a
neck with a single pore.
Fig. 308. Pluricellaesporites longicollus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, one-half mile south of Puryear,
Henry County, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 245, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Pluricellaesporites mehrotrae sp. nov.
Fig. 309
MycoBank No.: MB 519951.
Pluricellaesporites sp. B in Singh et al., Palaeobotanist 35(1),
p. 101, pl. 2, fig. 24. 1986.
Description: Fungal spore with blunt ends. Size 98-106 x 36-
39 m. Spore multicellular, 9-11 celled, middle cells wider than
the terminal ones. Monoporate, pore apical, pore margin not
thickened, 10 m in diameter. Septa distinct, about 2.5 m
thick, thicker than spore wall. Spore wall less than 0.5 m
thick, pitted, pits sparsely placed.
Fig. 309. Pluricellaesporites mehrotrae. Bar = 20 m.
140 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Holotype: Singh et al. 1986, pl. 2, fig. 24; slide no. 8135, Birbal
Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 101, pl. 2, figs. 11, 24,
Lubha and Umkiang Members, Bhuban Formation (Early
Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam.
Species: Pluricellaesporites minutus Gupta 2002, non
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 515009.
Remarks: Pluricellaesporites minutus Gupta 2002 is
illegitimate, being junior homonym of Pluricellaesporites
minutus Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000. For this reason, Saxena
(2009) replaced it with a new name [See: Pluricellaesporites
guptae Saxena 2009]
Species: Pluricellaesporites misrae Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 310
MycoBank No.: MB 107178.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52): Oval fungal spores,
size range 15-23 x 10-13 m; tetracellate, terminal cells smaller
than those in centre; triseptate, septa 1.5-2.5 m thick, thicker
in centre; monoaperturate, pore apical, 3-5 m in diameter;
spore wall 0.5 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 310. Pluricellaesporites misrae. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 52, pl. 2, figs. 34-35,
Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long.
70°26.9'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Pluricellaesporites planus Trivedi & Verma 1970
ex Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
Fig. 311
MycoBank No.: MB 320741.
Description (Trivedi & Verma 1970, p. 72): Fungal spores
multicellular, two to many cells in a spore, length varies, shape
of the spore varies, sometimes upper cells of the spore large
and the lower ones small, narrow, sometimes spores longer
than broad, sometimes curved at the middle or at some other
place, but all have flat septa or nearly dentate; wall smooth,
less than 1 m wide, dark coloured. Size of the different spores
varies according to their shape. Length ranges from 66-99
m, breadth 25-36 m in larger specimens, 16-22 m in smaller
cells, height of individual cell ranges from 8-15 m.
Fig. 311. Pluricellaesporites planus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Near Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, figs. 25-26,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Kar 1979, p. 32, pl. 3, fig. 53, Maniyara Fort
Formation (Oligocene), Barkhana Nala Cutting near
Sarangwara, Kutch District, Gujarat; Bhattacharya 1987, p.
120, Early Eocene, Rajpardi, Broach District, Gujarat; Rajendran
et al. 1989, p. 42, 43, 44, Miocene, Padappakkara, Varkala,
Edavai, Paravur, Kannur, Kerala; Kar 1990a, p. 178, pl. 8, figs.
122-123, Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole
No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2,
Tripura; Kar & Bhattacharya 1992, p. 251, Early Eocene,
Rajpardi lignite, Bharuch District, Gujarat; Ambwani 1993, p.
153, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, Rekmangiri Coalfield, Garo
Hills, Meghalaya; Saxena et al. 1996, p. 21, Tura Formation
(Palaeocene), Nongwal Bibra area, East Garo Hills District,
Meghalaya; Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, Tikak Parbat Formation
(Late Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery, Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields,
Dibrugarh District, Assam; Tripathi et al. 2003, p. 90, Akli
Formation (Late Palaeocene), Barmer Basin, Rajasthan;
Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong Sandstone (Late
Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills, Assam.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 141
Species: Pluricellaesporites psilatus Clarke 1965
Fig. 312
MycoBank No.: MB 337285.
Description (Clarke 1965, p. 90): Fungal spores uniseriate,
individuals consist of five to many cells, cells flattened at
common boundaries, convex on sides, cell height 6-10 m,
diameter 13-23 m, shorter at apices, cell wall psilate, 1-1.5 m
thick, septa 2 m thick, bidentate, opening through each
septum 0.5-1 m diameter, overall dimensions 13-23 x 82-120
m.
Fig. 312. Pluricellaesporites psilatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Canon City Coalfield, Fremont County, Colorado,
U.S.A.
Age: Late Cretaceous.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297, pl. 2, fig. 25,
Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 249-250, pl. 2,
fig. 17, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District,
West Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Varma 1987,
p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 5, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p. 73, pl.
3, fig. 3, Therria Formation (Palaeocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya; Sarkar & Singh 1994,
p. 100, Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu
and Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Samant 2000,
p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 16, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene),
near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
pl. 2, fig. 22, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at
Redi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Species: Pluricellaesporites rectangulatus Mathur &
Mathur 1969
Fig. 313
MycoBank No.: MB 483855.
Description (Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 2): Surface view,
spores horizontally septate, 45 x 8.5 m in size, borne on short
pedicel, 8-11 septa. Apical cell dome-shaped. Others
rectangular; faint germ pores present. Exine ca. 1 m thick,
brown.
Fig. 313. Pluricellaesporites rectangulatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Naera and Baraia area of Kutch District, Gujarat,
India.
Age: Pliocene.
Indian records: Mathur & Mathur 1969, p. 2, pl. 1, fig. 1,
Pliocene, Naera and Baraia area of Kutch District, Gujarat;
Kar 1985, p. 158-159, pl. 37, fig. 1, Pliocene, Baraia, Kutch
District, Gujarat.
Species: Pluricellaesporites sirmaurensis Gupta 2002
Fig. 314
MycoBank No.: MB 540758.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 138): Spores four to five celled, 3-
4 septate, uniseriate, monoporate, elongate, 22-35 m long, 7-
9 m broad, pore situated at one terminal end, largely granulate
to subverrucose, surface folded.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
142 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 314. Pluricellaesporites sirmaurensis. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 138, pl. 3, fig. 1, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Pluricellaesporites suratensis Saxena 2009
Fig. 315
MycoBank No.: MB 515012
Pluricellaesporites elsikii Samant & Tapaswi, Gondwana
Geological Magazine 15(2), p. 28-29, fig. 2.12. 2000, non
Kalgutkar 1997.
Description (Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28): Fungal spores
oval in shape, septate, pore in every septa present, septa
straight, generally thin, rarely with thick flap on septa, middle
cells rectangular and variable in size, terminal and basal cells
triangular, contact between septa and spore wall smooth;
spore wall about 1 m thick; smooth.
Fig. 315. Pluricellaesporites suratensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality:, Surat District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Early Eocene (Surat lignite, Cambay Shale).
Indian records: Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 28, 29, fig. 2.12,
Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Surat District, Gujarat.
Species: Pluricellaesporites tamilensis Saxena & Khare
1992
Fig. 316
MycoBank No.: MB 483894.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39): Spores oval to
elongated, non-aperturate end broadly rounded; size range
76-97 x 29-44 m; multicellular, six- to nine-celled; septa 1.5-
2.5 m thick; monoporate, pore distinct, terminally placed, 3
m in diameter; wall up to 1 m thick, psilate.
Fig. 316. Pluricellaesporites tamilensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, 45 km south of
Neyveli, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39, pl. 1, fig. 16, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Pluricellaesporites tricellatus (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 317
MycoBank No.: MB 483525.
Multicellaesporites tricellatus Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 47, pl. 2, fig. 15. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 47): Elongated rod-shaped
fungal spore; size 21 x 6 m, tricellate, two cells slightly larger
than the third one, inaperturate, biseptate, septa thicker than
spore wall; spore wall less than 1 m thick, psilate.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 143
Fig. 317. Pluricellaesporites tricellatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long. 69°26.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 47, pl. 2, fig. 15, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 5 (Lat. 24°04.5'N: Long.
69°26.0'E), Arabian Sea.
Species: Pluricellaesporites typicus van der Hammen 1954a
Fig. 318
MycoBank No.: MB 337287.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 104): Spores 86 x 26
m; more or less delicate specimen, colour of burnt sugar.
Fig. 318. Pluricellaesporites typicus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Magdalena Valley, Eastern Cordillera, Colombia,
South America.
Age: Maastrichtian.
Indian records: Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 62, pl. 1, fig. 8, Late
Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal
Fan, Indian Ocean.
Species: Pluricellaesporites verrucatus Singh et al. 1986
Fig. 319
MycoBank No.: MB 131934.
Description (Singh et al. 1986, p. 100): Fungal spore elongate,
with one end wider and the other end tubular. Size 111 x 33
m, 18-celled, cells wider in the middle than those towards
the apertural end. Monoporate, pore apically placed at the
narrower end. Septa 1-1.5 m thick. Spore wall 1 m thick,
granulose-verrucose. Surface view giving a verrucose
appearance.
Fig. 319. Pluricellaesporites verrucatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar, Assam, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 100-101, pl. 2, fig. 20,
Lubha Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam.
Genus: Polyadosporites van der Hammen 1954a emend.
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21256.
Type species: Polyadosporites suescae van der Hammen
1954a.
Description (van der Hammen 1954a, p. 105): Fungal spores
composed of several grains or cells that are united along
several axes or in a more or less irregular manner (Jansonius
& Hills 1976, card no. 2074).
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 248):
Spores subspherical, loosely aggregated in clusters, with
individual cells not connected to others by shared walls;
clusters (colonies?) more or less regularly spherical to
subspherical.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Polyadosporites nadahensis Rao & Patnaik 2001
Fig. 320
144 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
MycoBank No.: MB 519784.
Description (Rao & Patnaik 2001, p. 270, 272): Fungal spore
colonies composed of number of cells, 16-20 in number. Overall
size range 90-130 x 65-90 m. Inaperturate. Individual cells
more or less subspherical in shape, variation in overall shape
and size, size range 35-42 x 28-33 m. Wall 1 m thick,
perforated, surface showing finely pitted reticulate
ornamentation.
Fig. 320. Polyadosporites nadahensis. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana, India.
Age: Late Pliocene (Upper Siwalik, Pinjor Formation).
Indian records: Rao & Patnaik 2001, p. 270, 272, pl. 1, figs. 14-
16, Pinjor Formation (Late Pliocene), Nadah, Panchkula,
Haryana.
Species: Polyadosporites siwalikus Rao & Patnaik 2001
Fig. 321
MycoBank No.: MB 519785.
Description (Rao & Patnaik 2001, p. 272): Fungal spores
composed of number of individual subspherical cells, cells
inaperturate. Size range 127-145 x 112-120 m. Cell wall thin,
septa connecting to 2 or 3 cells, 1-2 m thick, smooth.
Fig. 321. Polyadosporites siwalikus. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana, India.
Age: Late Pliocene (Upper Siwalik, Pinjor Formation).
Indian records: Rao & Patnaik 2001, p. 272, pl. 3, figs. 6, 9,
Pinjor Formation (Late Pliocene), Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana.
Genus: Polycellaesporonites Chandra et al. 1984
MycoBank No.: MB 25604.
Type Species: Polycellaesporonites bellus Chandra et al.
1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 48): Capsular fungal
spores; inaperturate; one end of the spore is rounded while
the other gives rise to a tube-like projection; multicellate;
cells arranged in clusters, and not in a row or along a single
axis; spore wall laevigate.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 249):
Muriform spores with a hilum, and distally with an elongated,
knob-like or beaked, extension; overall structure as that in
the modern Alternaria.
Emended Description (Gupta 2002, p. 145): Capsular spore,
one end of the spore gives rise to tube like projection,
multicellate, inaperturate, cells arranged in clusters and not in
a row or along a single axis, spore wall laevigate to
ornamented.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Polycellaesporonites alternariatus (Kalgutkar &
Sigler 1995) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 322
MycoBank No.: MB 483527.
Piriurella alternariata Kalgutkar & Sigler, Mycological
Research 99, p. 518, fig. 14. 1995.
Description (Kalgutkar & Sigler 1995, p. 518): Conidia arising
singly or in clusters; multicellate, muriform, solitary, ovoid to
obclavate, rostrate, cicatrized or not, pale brown to brown,
smooth. Conidia with a short conical beak and 8-12 transverse
and several longitudinal or oblique septa; transverse septa
more prominent and thicker than the longitudinal or oblique
septa; terminal (apical) conical beak about 9-11 m broad,
with a conspicuous dark thickened tip that probably
represents the point of origin (attachment scar) of the next
apical spore in the succession of a conidial chain. Conidia,
when cicatrized, with a scar at the proximal end at the point of
attachment to the conidiophore. Conidia 42-74 m long, 18-27
m wide in the broadest part.
Fig. 322. Polycellaesporonites alternariatus. Bar = 15 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 145
Locality: Iceberg Bay Formation at Kanguk Peninsula, Axel
Heiberg Island, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Age: Late Palaeocene or Early Eocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.30,
Intertrappean Beds (Early Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi,
on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Polycellaesporonites bellus Chandra et al. 1984
Fig. 323
MycoBank No.: MB 107183.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49): Fungal spore with a
capsular body and a tube-shaped unicellular appendage
emerging from one end; size range 45-68 x 13-15 m; main
body of spore 33-48 x 13-15 m; tube-like projection hyaline,
12-20 m long, multicellate individual cells rectangular, not
arranged along one axis; inaperturate; spore wall 1-1.5 m
thick, psilate.
Fig. 323. Polycellaesporonites bellus. Bar = 15 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 49, pl. 2, figs. 20-21,
text-fig. 2, Late Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N:
Long. 70°46.0'E), Arabian Sea; Saxena et al. 1988, p. 277, pl. 2,
fig. 30, Pinjor Formation (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur Section,
Ambala District, Haryana; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1987, p.
189, Lower Siwalik-Nahan and Upper Siwalik (Middle Miocene-
Pliocene), Kala Amb-Nahan Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 113, Dharmsala
Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene), Churan Khad Section near
Dharmsala, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena &
Ranhotra 2009, p. 692, fig. 3.31-32, Intertrappean Beds (Early
Palaeocene), 5 km west of Naredi, on Naliya-Narayan Sarovar
Road, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Species: Polycellaesporonites psilatus Gupta 2002
Fig. 324
MycoBank No.: MB 540760.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 146): Spores multicelled, elongate,
showing cells arranged in clusters along more than one axis
at one end and a tube like appendage at other, inaperturate,
37-78 m long, number of cells across its width of cell clusters
ranges up to 3 or more, psilate, surface folded.
Fig. 324. Polycellaesporonites psilatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation)
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 146, pl. 4, fig. 7, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Polycellaesporonites saxenae Gupta 2002
Fig. 325
MycoBank No.: MB 540761.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 145): Spores multicelled, elongate,
showing cells arranged in clusters along more than one axis
at one end and a tube like appendage at other, inaperturate,
measuring 35-75 m long, three or more cells across width,
granulate, sculptural elements distinct at cell clusters but
indistinct at appendage, surface folded.
146 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 325. Polycellaesporonites saxenae. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 145, pl. 4, fig. 4, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Polycellaesporonites sirmaurensis Gupta 2002
Fig. 326
MycoBank No.: MB 540762.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 145): Spores multicelled, elongate,
showing cells arranged in clusters along more than one axis
at one end and a tube like appendage at other, inaperturate,
measuring 16-58 m long, number of cells across the width of
cells cluster ranges up to 2, largely granulate, sculptural
elements distinct at appendage, surface folded.
Fig. 326. Polycellaesporonites sirmaurensis. Bar = 15 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 145, pl. 4, fig. 3, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Genus: Polyhyphaethyrites Srivastava & Kar 2004
MycoBank No.: MB 28837.
Type species: Polyhyphaethyrites giganticus Srivastava &
Kar 2004 (by monotypy).
Description (combined description, Srivastava & Kar 2004,
p. 866-867): The ascostromatas are dimidiate and generally
subcircular in shape with wavy margin, sometimes they are
oval and while broken, may be semicircular. The size is
unusually larger than the other known fossil ascocarps and
varies from 3.5 to 4.0 mm. It has no opening in the middle, but
in section the middle part is ruptured occasionally giving an
ostiolate appearance. The hyphae of the specimens are
characteristic; 8–25 hyphae are closely placed side by side to
form radial and transverse strands, which are slightly twisted
and rope-like. The strands are interconnected with each other
to form a net-like structure. The cellular structures seen are
often branched at the margin. The free hyphae are not
observed and the stroma is one-celled. The margin is generally
setose and the cells are thicker with smaller meshes.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Polyhyphaethyrites giganticus Srivastava & Kar
2004
Fig. 327
MycoBank No.: MB 369429.
Description: Same as that of genus (combined description).
Fig. 327. Polyhyphaethyrites giganticus. Bar = 500 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 147
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Deccan Intertrappean Beds).
Indian records: Srivastava & Kar 2004, p. 866-867, fig. 2,
Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Protocolletotrichum Kar et al. 2004
MycoBank No.: MB 29100.
Type species: Protocolletotrichum deccanensis Kar et al.
2004.
Description (Kar et al. 2004, p. 947): Acervuli subcircular to
circular in shape, 0.03-0.05 mm in diameter, sparsely distributed
on cuticle; margins slightly raised, setose. Setae arise around
the margins, stout, 0.05-1.2 mm long and <0.01 mm broad,
dark brown in colour, slightly swollen at base, pointed at tip,
unbranched, smooth, 1-2 septate, very slightly constricted at
septae.
Classification: Deuteromycetes, Melanconiaceae.
Species: Protocolletotrichum deccanensis Kar et al. 2004
Fig. 328
MycoBank No.: MB 521754.
Description (Kar et al. 2004, p. 947): Around 30 haphazardly
placed acervuli are preserved on a cuticle fragment up to 0.5
cm long and 0.1 cm broad that lacks cellular or stomatal details.
The 20-35 setae that originate from the margins of each
acervulus are unbranched and slightly divergent, with broad
bases and pointed tips; in some cases their tips are broken.
The cell walls of the setae are ca. 2 m thick and more or less
psilate.
Fig. 328. Protocolletotrichum deccanensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mohgaon-Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean Bed).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2004, p. 947, figs. 3A, C-E, Deccan
Intertrappean Bed (Maastrichtian, Mohgaon-Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh; Kar et al. 2010, p. 245,
Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Protoerysiphe Sharma et al. 2005 (nom. inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 29099.
Type Species: Protoerysiphe indicus Sharma et al. 2005 (nom.
inval.).
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76): (Diagnosis):
C1eistotheca dark, subcircular, size range 67-89 m, reticulate,
with free appendages, appendages of various sizes, superficial
mycelia anchoring the cleistothecium also occasionally
observed. (Description): Cleistotheca generally ruptured due
to liberation of asci, reticulum square - rectangular in shape.
Appendages long, myceloid, 15-20 in number, 3-4 septate,
wall thick, end pointed, superficial mycelia translucent.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Remarks: Sharma et al. (2005) proposed the generic name
Protoerysiphe, but neither mentioned slide number nor
repository of the holotype. The generic name, and also the
name of its type species (Protoerysiphe indicus Sharma et
al. 2005), are therefore not validly published (ICBN: Art. 37.7,
McNeill et al. 2006).
Species: Protoerysiphe indicus Sharma et al. 2005 (nom.
inval.)
MycoBank No.: MB 529981.
Description (Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76): Cleistotheca
subcircular-oval, mostly ruptured, reticulate. Appendages
often broken, flaccid, resemble the hyphae, sometimes
entangled, generally septate at regular intervals.
Locality: Pisdura, Maharashtra, India.
Age: Maastrichtian (Lameta Formation).
Indian records: Sharma et al. 2005, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 4, Lameta
Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura, Maharashtra.
Remarks: While proposing the new species, Protoerysiphe
indicus, Sharma et al. (2005) made no mention of holotype
slide and its repository, hence the species name is not validly
published (ICBN: Art. 37.7, McNeill et al. 2006).
Genus: Pseudosphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969
MycoBank No.: MB 21269.
Type Species: Pseudosphaerialites senii Venkatachala & Kar
1969.
Description (Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 180): Perithecium
100-140 m, dark brown, subcircular-circular in overall shape,
mostly one cell thick; 4-5 cells in the middle part of the
perithecium darker than the adjacent region and lacking a
hypha; perithecium pseudoparenchymatous, formed by
148 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
radiating hyphae; cells in the middle region more or less square
(4 x 5 m), but more rectangular closer to the periphery (10 x 3
m). Outer cells thickened on periphery, minutely setose;
stromatic cavities adjacent to central part possess one
transparent hypha in each cell, but not all outer cells of the
perithecium have one. Asci not seen but it seems that one
ascus developed in each cavity.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Jain & Gupta (1970) classified Pseudosphaerialites
under non-ostiolate ascomata with porate cells, along with
Callimothallus. Elsik (1978) considered Pseudosphaerialites
a synonym of Callimothallus Dilcher 1965.
Species: Pseudosphaerialites senii Venkatachala & Kar
1969
MycoBank No.: MB 321867.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Callimothallus Dilcher 1965 [See: Callimothallus
senii (Venkatachala & Kar 1969) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Psidimobipiospora Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin
1980
MycoBank No.: MB 25598.
Type Species: Psidimobipiospora dyadospora Salard-
Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980.
Description (Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin 1980, p. 191):
Smooth dihilate didymospores.
Remarks: Psidimobipiospora Salard-Cheboldaeff & Locquin
1980 is a junior synonym of Dyadosporites van der Hammen
1954b ex Clarke 1965.
Species: Psidimobipiospora scabrata Kumar 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 126568.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965 [See: Dyadosporites scabratus (Kumar 1990) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000].
Genus - Psilainaperturites Pierce 1961
MycoBank No.: MB 30413.
Type Species: Psilainaperturites psilatus Pierce 1961
Description (Pierce 1961, p. 44): Psilate, inaperturate
sporomorphs.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Psilainaperturites ovalis Mathur 1966
MycoBank No.: MB 483820.
Remarks: See: Monoporisporites mathurii Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000, non Monoporisporites ovalis Sheffy &
Dilcher 1971
Genus: Psilodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 25664.
Type Species: Psilodiporites hammenii Varma & Rawat 1963.
Description (Varma & Rawat, p. 131): Diporate pollen grains
with psilate exine (which may sometimes appear finely scabrate
under high power).
Classification: Angiospermae.
Species: Psilodiporites bhardwaji Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 106421.
Dyadosporonites bhardwaji (Varma & Rawat) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.).
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dyadosporites van der Hammen 1954b ex Clarke
1965 [See: Dyadosporites bhardwaji (Varma & Rawat 1963)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Psilodiporites cooksoniae Varma & Rawat 1963
Diporisporites cooksoniae (Varma & Rawat 1963) Elsik 1968
(nom. inval.).
Remarks: The holotype, published by Varma and Rawat
(1963) is an angiosperm pollen, not a fungal spore. Kalgutkar
and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to pollen genus
Diporoconia Frederiksen et al. 1985 as Diporoconia?
cooksoniae (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000.
Species: Psilodiporites gunniae Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 106424.
Diporisporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.).
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963 [See:
Foveodiporites gunniae (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Species: Psilodiporites hammenii Varma & Rawat 1963
Remarks: The holotype, published by Varma and Rawat (1963)
is an angiosperm pollen, not a fungal spore.
Species: Psilodiporites krempii Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 106426.
Diporisporites krempii (Varma & Rawat) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.).
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 [See:
Biporipsilonites krempii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Pucciniasporonites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 28628.
Type Species: Pucciniasporonites arcotensis Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 82): Teliospores
borne singly on pedicels, two-celled by prominent horizontal
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 149
septum; wall thick, pigmented; one germ pore in each cell,
more or less terminal in upper (distal) cell, and lateral in lower
(proximal) cell.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Uredinales.
Species: Pucciniasporonites arcotensis Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980
Fig. 329
MycoBank No.: MB 483757.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 82): Teliospores
two-celled by horizontal septum, pedicellate, obovoid to
elliptical, 25-35 x 10-12 m excluding stalk, not constricted at
septum, individual cells up to 13 m long and 12 m broad;
wall chestnut-brown, often darkly so, smooth, up to 3 m
thick, pedicel light coloured, up to 8 m long; one germ pore
in each cell, faint, up to 2 m in diameter.
Fig. 329. Pucciniasporonites arcotensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Neyveli lignite, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 82, pl. 1,
figs. 4-6, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Punctodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 28617.
Type Species: Punctodiporites harrisii Varma & Rawat
1963.
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 136): Diporate grains
with punctuate exine.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius 2000 considered this
genus a junior synonym of Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat
1963.
Species: Punctodiporites harrisii Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 483373.
Diporisporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.)
Remarks: Kalgutkar & Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat 1963 [See:
Foveodiporites harrisii (Varma & Rawat 1963) Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Pycnidites Chitaley & Patil 1970 (nom. inval.)
Type Species: Pycnidites acanthocaulous Chitaley & Patil
1970 (nom. inval.).
Classification: Deuteromycetes.
Species: Pycnidites acanthocaulous Chitaley & Patil 1970
(nom. inval.)
Indian records: Chitaley & Patil 1970, p. 337, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Tertiary), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Q
Genus: Quilonia Jain & Gupta 1970 emend. Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21272.
Type Species: Quilonia typica Jain & Gupta 1970.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 180): Body multicellular,
filamentous. Exine thick, margin undulated. Apical and basal
portions narrow, central section wide. Basal stalk prominent
with one or two rectangular thick-walled cells; apical cell
mostly incomplete, curved, central portion broad, elongate
with irregularly shaped furrow-like suture, inside the filament
at different places occur one to four small circular, ostiolate
bodies.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 257):
Pluricellate hilate fungal spores, with an oval to elongate
obpyriform pigmented central section, the greatest width of
which tends to be near the proximal end; spore distally
extended into a (very) elongated multiseptate narrow stalk
that terminates in a closed cell, although the tip of the stalk is
commonly lacking; proximally, there is a short tapering stalk
with a hilate scar. Both stalks tend to be thin-walled or hyaline.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
150 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Quilonia alleppeyensis (Ramanujam & Rao 1978)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 330
MycoBank No.: MB 483529.
Pluricellaesporites alleppeyensis Ramanujam & Rao, in
Bharadwaj, D. C. et al. (Editors) - Proceedings of the 4th
International Palynological Conference, Lucknow 1976-77,
Volume 1, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, p.
297, pl. 2, fig. 29. 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297): Spores melanin-
coloured, straight to slightly curved, inaperturate, uniseriate,
multicellate, 80-165 m long. Septa 8-16, lower part of spore
broader, apical part narrower, tail-like; broader part confined
to first 5 cells, 30 x 13 m, narrower, tail-like part 3 m broad.
Basal cell conicotruncate. Spore wall 1-1.5 m thick, septa in
the lower, broad portion thicker than spore wall. Surface
scabrate to finely granular in the lower part, psilate apically.
Fig. 330. Quilonia alleppeyensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Alleppey, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds)
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297-298, pl. 2, figs.
29-30, Miocene, Kerala; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 250, pl. 2,
fig. 18, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District,
West Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Mallesham
et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 19, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna
Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin,
Tamil Nadu.
Species: Quilonia attenuata (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 331
MycoBank No.: MB 483530.
Diporicellaesporites attenuatus Ramanujam & Srisailam,
Botanique 9(1-4), p. 127, pl. 2, fig. 21. 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 127): Spores
brownish, elongate fusiform, 30-59.5 x 10-13.6 m, transverse
septa seven, end cells prominently attenuating, paler or almost
hyaline, a prominent pore in each end cell; septa conspicuous,
3.4 m thick, 2-layered, spore wall up to 2.2 m thick, slightly
constricted at septa, surface psilate.
Fig. 331. Quilonia attenuata. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Palayangadi and Kannur, Cheruvattur, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 127-128, pl.
2, fig. 21, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Species: Quilonia miocenica (Singh et al. 1986) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 332
MycoBank No.: MB 483536.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 151
Inapertisporites miocenicus Singh et al., Palaeobotanist
35(1), p. 97, pl. 2, fig. 13. 1986.
Description (Singh et al. 1986, p. 97): Fungal spores elongate;
112-218 x 21-24 m, unicellate, aseptate, inaperturate. Spores
pointed at one end, blunt at the other. Spore wall hyaline,
laevigate and irregularly folded.
Fig. 332. Quilonia miocenica. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: 173 km stone, Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India.
Age: Early Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 2, figs. 12-13, Dona
Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation
(Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Quilonia multicellata (Saxena & Khare 1992)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 333
MycoBank No.: MB 483537.
Diporicellaesporites multicellatus Saxena & Khare,
Geophytology 21, p. 39, pl. 1, fig. 3. 1992.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39): Spores elliptical to
elongated, tapering towards the ends; size range 79-144 x 21-
32 m; octacellate to dodecacellate, middle cells rectangular
whereas terminal cells elongated; septa distinct, 2-4 m thick;
diporate, pores terminal, distinct, 4.5-5.5 m in diameter; wall
1.5 m thick, psilate to faintly punctate.
Fig. 333. Quilonia multicellata. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Jayamkondacholapurum Well-12, 45 km south of
Neyveli, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Eocene (Neyveli Formation).
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 39, pl. 1, fig. 3, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12,
Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Quilonia prakashii (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 334
MycoBank No.: MB 483538.
Diporicellaesporites prakashii Chandra et al., Biovigyanam
10(1), p. 54, pl. 2, fig. 39. 1984.
Description (Chandra et al. 1984, p. 54): Elongated fungal
spore; size 62 x 10 m; septacellate, middle cells larger than
the terminal ones; 6-septate; diporate, one pore at each apex
of the spore; spore wall 1 m thick, psilate, pigment medium
to dark.
152 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 334. Quilonia prakashii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long. 70°46.0'E),
Arabian Sea.
Age: Late Quaternary.
Indian records: Chandra et al. 1984, p. 54, pl. 2, fig. 39, Late
Quaternary, Sediment core no. 1 (Lat. 17°57.9'N: Long.
70°46.0'E), Sediment core no. 4 (Lat. 21°10.0'N: Long. 70°26.9'E),
Arabian Sea.
Species: Quilonia typica Jain & Gupta 1970
Fig. 335
MycoBank No.: MB 322212.
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 181): Body multicellular,
filamentous, measuring 175-215 x 10-25 m. Basal stalk distinct,
with one or two rectangular cells, 8-10 m with unevenly
thickened walls. Apical portion curved and incompletely
preserved, central portion broad, elongate. Exine 1.5-2.5 m
thick, at places dense due to accumulation of upper loose
covering. Furrow prominent, 40-67.5 x 2-2.5 m. Some small,
circular, 8-10 m bodies occur throughout the filament.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam, Kerala, South India.
Age: Miocene
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 181, pl. 1, fig. 19, Miocene,
Padappakkara, Kollam, Kerala, South India.
Fig. 335. Quilonia typica. Bar = 20 m.
R
Genus: Rabenhorstinidium Singh & Patil 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 21274.
Type Species: Rabenhorstinidium intertrappeum Singh &
Patil 1980.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17): Pycnidium isolated,
circumscissile, ostiolate; ostiole covered by sterile stroma,
immersed; conidiophores unbranched; conidia oval-
spherical, in chains, 1-celled.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Rabenhorstinidium intertrappeum Singh & Patil
1980
Fig. 336
MycoBank No.: MB 109228.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17): Pycnidium isolated,
black, thin-walled, circumscissile, 100 x 110 m in size, ostiole
covered by sterile stroma; wall pseudoparenchymatous, inner
wall distinct; conidiophore unbranched, 5-7 m long; conidia
spherical, 1-5 m in diameter, in chains of 2-4; mycelium
branched, septate, intercellular. Host: dicotyledonous wood.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 153
Fig. 336. Rabenhorstinidium intertrappeum. A. Pycnidium.
Bar = 250 m, B. Stroma cells, part of pycnidium wall and
conidia. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17-18, pl. 1, figs. 5, 8,
text-figs. 7-8, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Late Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Ramasricellites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28623.
Type Species: Ramasricellites differentialis (Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 259): Fungal
spores inaperturate, tetracellate, ellipsoidal, with central cells
broader, thicker walled and more pigmented than the terminal
cells; terminal cells thin-walled to hyaline, with rounded ends;
septa (or septal bases) thick and dark, evenly spaced.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Remarks: The sharp differentiation between the dark, broad
central cells and the narrower, elongate hyaline terminal cells,
as well as the lack of constriction at the median septum,
differentiate this form from species in Multicellites.
Species: Ramasricellites differentialis (Ramanujam &
Srisailam 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 337
MycoBank No.: MB 483539.
Multicellaesporites differentialis Ramanujam & Srisailam,
Botanique 9(1-4), p. 121, pl. 1, fig. 3. 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 121): Spores
tetracellate, 25-35 x 7-8.5 m with evenly spaced transverse
septa, terminal two cells almost hyaline, 9 x 5.1 m, tapering;
central two cells brown, broader, 6.8 x 8.5 m, septa dark band-
like, up to 2.5 m thick, wall 1.7 m thick in terminal cells,
thicker in central cells, surface psilate uniformly.
Fig. 337. Ramasricellites differentialis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kannur, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Warkalli Beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 121, pl. 1, fig.
3, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala.
Genus - Ratnagiriathyrites Saxena & Misra 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 28615.
Type Species: Ratnagiriathyrites hexagonalis Saxena &
Misra 1990
Description (Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 268): Ascostromata
subcircular or irregular in shape, dark brown, non-ostiolate,
cells not arranged radially, porate, pores generally distributed
throughout stromata, cells hexagonal, bigger towards
periphery than in the central region; margin thick, wavy.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Ratnagiriathyrites hexagonalis Saxena & Misra
1990
Fig. 338
MycoBank No.: MB 483356.
Description (Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270):
Ascostromata subcircular in shape, dark brown, non-ostiolate,
size range 66-114 x 55.5-90 m, cells not arranged radially,
porate, pores mostly distributed throughout the ascostromata,
marginal cells aporate, cells hexagonal, sometimes pentagonal,
cells increasing in size towards periphery, margin thick,
wavy.
154 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 338. Ratnagiriathyrites hexagonalis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Neogene (Ratnagiri beds).
Indian records: Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270, pl. 2, fig. 14, pl.
3, fig. 11, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Rao 2004, p. 124,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Genus: Ravenelites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 28630.
Type Species: Ravenelites tirumalacharii Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980.
Description (Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980, p. 83): Teliospores
one-celled but strongly adherent, forming discoid heads.
Number of spores in each telial head variable; outer walls of
peripheral cells (spores) of each head smooth or ornamented;
wall pigmented; one germ pore in each cell (spore) of discoid
head.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius 2000 considered this
genus a junior synonym of Dictyosporites Felix 1894.
Species: Ravenelites tirumalacharii Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980
MycoBank No.: MB 483759.
Remarks: Since Ravenelites Ramanujam & Ramachar 1980 is
a junior synonym of Dictyosporites Felix 1894, Kalgutkar and
Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Dictyosporites
Felix 1894 (See: Dictyosporites tirumalacharii Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Reduviasporonites Wilson 1962
MycoBank No.: MB 21278.
Type Species: Reduviasporonites catenulatus Wilson 1962.
Description (Wilson 1962, p. 91): Conidia-like spores occurring
in uniseriate chains (phragmospores?) of several or more
individuals; subspherical, slightly flattened at the contacts
with adjacent spores, all approximately same diameter, walls
1-2 m thick, uniform, smooth or slightly rough, yellow or
brown, translucent.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Reduviasporonites catenulatus Wilson 1962
Fig. 339
MycoBank No.: MB 338248.
Description (Wilson 1962, p. 94): Description as for the genus;
consisting of a variable number of spores in moniliform chains,
largest number observed 10; diameter of spores 13-23 m;
normally subspherical, flattened specimens have compression
folds and cracks. Holotype, an eight-spore chain; length of
chain 118.2 m, length of spores 15.76-23 m, width of spores
15.76-21.67 m.
Fig. 339. Reduviasporonite catenulatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: North bank of Salt Fork of the Red River, Greer
County, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Age: Late Permian.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 19, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 155
Species: Reduviasporonites curvatus (Ambwani 1983)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 340
MycoBank No.: MB 483543.
Multicellaesporites curvatus Ambwani, Palaeobotanist 31(2),
p. 149, pl. 1, fig. 3. 1983.
Description (Ambwani 1983, p. 149): Fungal spores uniseriate,
dark brown; about 9-10 cells unite to form a filament; filament
curved in shape. Cells separated by septa; constriction
present at the junction of two cells. Size of the filament around
± 100 m. Individual spores inaperturate, circular, subcircular
to ovate, measuring about ± 12 m in size. Exine 2 m thick
and laevigate.
Fig. 340. Reduviasporonites curvatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Miocene (Neyveli lignite).
Indian records: Ambwani 1983, p. 149, pl. 1, figs. 3-4, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Reduviasporonites prakashii (Ambwani 1982)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 341
MycoBank No.: MB 483545.
Multicellaesporites prakashii Ambwani, Palaeobotanist
30(1), p. 30, pl. 1, fig. 11. 1983.
Description (Ambwani 1982, p. 30): Tetracellate spore, size
varies up to 80 x 20 m, cells arranged along the longer axis
(with 3 dark septa), individual spore spherical in shape, ± 20
m in size, spore wall laevigate and 1.5 m thick. Spores dark
brown.
Fig. 341. Reduviasporonites prakashii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kotta-Bommuru Village, Rajahmundry, Andhra
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Eocene
Indian records: Ambwani 1982, p. 30, pl. 1, fig. 11, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene) Kotta-Bommuru near
Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Genus: Retidiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 21280.
Type Species: Retidiporites bengalensis Varma & Rawat 1963.
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137): Diporate grains
with reticulate exine.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Retidiporites bengalensis Varma & Rawat 1963
Fig. 342
MycoBank No.: MB 106439.
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137): Pollen grains 2-
porate, bilateral, isopolar, barrel-shaped to somewhat laterally
elongated (about 27 x 45.6 x 27 m). Pores presumably circular,
about 5.7 x 8.6 m in diameter, slightly sunken, not covering
the entire width of the lateral ends. Exine very faintly reticulate,
about 1.5 m. Nexine about twice as thick as sexine.
156 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 342. Retidiporites bengalensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India, including oil exploration
areas in West Bengal and Assam, India.
Age: Early-Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137, fig. 20, Early-
Middle Eocene, western and eastern India, including oil
exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam.
Genus: Retihelicosporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21281.
Type Species: Retihelicosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Rao
1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores simple,
uniseriate, multicellular, inaperturate, basal cell cuneate, other
cells rectangular; apical part of spore helical. Spore wall
reticulate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Helicosporae.
Remarks: Elsik (1992) considered spores of
Retihelicosporonites to be monoporate and differentiated
them from other multicellate monoporate form genera on their
combination of reticulate sculpture and their tendency to be
loosely coiled.
Species: Retihelicosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Rao
1978
Fig. 343
MycoBank No.: MB 115089.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299): Spores light to
dark brown, multicellular with 3-8 transverse septa, 110-130
m long, apical part helical; septa very faint or almost absent
in the helical region. Cell 10-13.5 x 5-7.5 m. Wall two-layered,
reticulate, coarsely so in the helical region, meshes hexagonal,
lumina smooth.
Fig. 343. Retihelicosporonites elsikii. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Kollam and Warkalli, Kollam District, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene (Quilon and Warkalli beds).
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 299, pl. 3, figs. 37-
38, Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene). Kollam District,
Kerala, India.
S
Genus: Sarcophoma Höhnel 1916
MycoBank No.: MB 9787.
Type Species: Sarcophoma endogenospora Höhnel 1916.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Sphaeropsidales.
Species: Sarcophoma deccanii Singh & Patil 1980
Fig. 344
MycoBank No.: MB 109235.
Description (Singh & Patil 1980, p. 18): Pycnidium immersed
in stroma, ostiolate, spherical to oval, 170-200 x 110-150 m in
size, wall thin, pseudoparenchymatous; conidiophores
branched, septate, 1-celled or in chains of 3-4 or more.
Fig. 344. Sarcophoma deccanii. A. Pycnidium and stroma.
Bar = 250 m, B. Wall of pycnidium, conidiophores and
spores. Bar = 50 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 157
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Singh & Patil 1980, p. 17-18, pl. 1, figs. 6-7,
text-figs. 9-10, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Late Cretaceous),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Scabradiporites Mathur 1966
MycoBank No.: MB 21292.
Type Species: Scabradiporites varias Mathur 1966.
Description (combined description, Mathur 1966, p. 43): Amb
elliptical, 42 x 14 m in size, diporate, pores elliptical, larger
axis 4 m. Exine less than 1 m thick, scabrate, brown.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) considered
Scabradiporites Mathur 1966 a junior taxonomic synonym
of Diporisporites van der Hammen 1954a emend. Elsik 1968.
Species: Scabradiporites varias Mathur 1966
MycoBank No.: MB 483818.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Scabradiporites varias Mathur 1966 to Diporisporites van
der Hammen 1954a emend. Elsik 1968 [See: Diporisporites
varias (Mathur 1966) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Sclerotites Massalongo in Massalongo & Scarabelli
1859
MycoBank No.: MB 21295.
Type Species: Sclerotites salisburiae Massalongo 1859.
Classification: Hyphomycetes, Mycelia Sterilia.
Species: Sclerotites chitaleyii Khubalkar 2003
Fig. 345
MycoBank No.: MB 561373.
Description (Khubalkar 2003, p. 290-293): (Diagnosis): Fungus
pathogenic; free mycelium lacking; sclerotia of dark brown
colour; varying in shape from somewhat rounded-oblong,
reniform, cordate, ovate to irregular; about 20 to 45 m in
length and 20 to 30 ) m in breadth; with or without
outgrowths; sheath (rind) one-cell-thick, about 3-7 m; outer
wall of sheath cells convex, about 1 mm thick; cells of sheath
rectangular to squarish to polygonal in shape, about 2 x 2 to
7 x 6 m in size, some with or without pores (?); interior
irregularly segmented forming anastomoses of
pseudoparenchyma, cells not much differentiated from sheath
cells, and not differentiated into medulla (loose) and cortex
(compact), cell walls up to l m in thickness. (Description):
Nine sclerotia observed and are described. These appeared
dark-brown in colour varying in shape and size. Shapes varied
from round-oblong, reniform, cordate, and ovate to irregular,
with or without outgrowths or bud-like projections. Surface
was smooth and without any prominent projections. Size
varied from 20-40 m in length and 20-30 m in breadth. The
sclerotium was lined by one cell thick sheath - the rind,
measuring about 3-7 m in thickness, the cells of which were
rectangular to squarish to polygonal in shape and measured
about 2 x 2 to 7 x 6 m in size. Some cells in some sclerotia
showed pores. Outer wall of sheath cells was convex and
about 1 mm thick. Interior of the sclerotia was variously
‘segmented’ which, in fact, formed the compact anastomoses
of pseudoparenchyma. These hyphal cells were not much
different from the sheath cells.
Fig. 345. Sclerotites chitaleyii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Late Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean Beds).
Indian records: Khubalkar 2003, p. 293-294, pl. 1, figs. 1-3,
text-fig. 1-9, Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Late Maastrichtian),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Scolecosporites Lange & Smith 1971
MycoBank No.: MB 21296.
Type species: Scolecosporites maslinensis Lange & Smith
1971.
Description (Lange & Smith 1971, p. 676): Scoleco-
phragmospores of lengths 15-30x the breadth, the outline of
walls and septa ladder-like.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 267):
Long to very long, linear filamentous phragmospores, hilate,
with or without distal pore; length many times width of spore.
Spores scalariform, commonly broken and lacking proximal
and/or distal portions; wall and septa commonly thin; septa
often with septal folds. Not or barely indented at septa.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Species: Scolecosporites scalaris (Kalgutkar 1993)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 346
MycoBank No.: MB 483548.
158 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Diporicellaesporites scalaris Kalgutkar, Review of
Palaeobotany and Palynology 97, p. 76, pl. 4.2, fig. 13. 1993.
Description (Kalgutkar 1993, p. 76): Spores filamentous,
scalariform, multicellular, typically with some 25 cells arranged
in a row; spores brown, straight, slightly tapering toward the
base. Cells usually equally spaced with regular transverse
septation; broader than long, except those at the tapered end,
with prominent triangular or wedge shaped septal folds and
clear perforations. Spore wall thin. Spores much longer than
broad, generally with length greater than eight or nine times
the width. Spores with a simple pore at one end and a hyaline,
small pedicel-like attachment cell at the tapered end. Illustrated
spore 137.5 x 12.5 m.
Fig. 346. Scolecosporites scalaris. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Peel River, Yukon Territory, Canada.
Age: Late Palaeocene-Early Eocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 16, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Genus: Shuklania Dwivedi 1959 ex Dwivedi 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 21301.
Type species: Shuklania enigmocarponae Dwivedi 1968 (by
monotypy).
Description: The cuticular layer of each locule is more or less
disorganised. The epidermal layer is intact. Below this layer
are seated the fungal cups which greatly resemble the sori of
Ascoomycetes and Basidiomycetes of parasitic fungi. Cups:
The cups occur scattered along the rim of the fruit, all over its
outer surface. These are fairly prominent and their number
varies in the peel sections taken after grinding every 5mm.
thickness of the fruit. The cups are wider than high. The
round, dome shaped upper covering of the cups seems to be
made either of the epicarp or the thin outer cuticular layer of
the fruit. The cups vary in size. Some are empty while others
show either bicelled spores or myycelia or both spores as
well as mycelia. The biggest of these cups measure 143 m x
240 m, medium ones 157 m x 113 m and the smallest 93 m
x 50 m. Mycelium: The mycelium is often abunndant inside
the cups, infecting the hypodermal tissue of the host. The
hyphae are generally 1.1 m broad, septate, closely packed
and profusely branched. The remnants of the septa are seen
at places. In several cups the mycelium is meagre and bicelled
spores are seen lying in situ. This, obviously, is a
compaaratively advanced stage of fungal infection. Spores:
The spores are either in groups or isolated. Where in groups,
they appear to have been held together by some gelatinous
substance. At a later stage the spores got separated. This
feature brings the present fungus very close to the living
form Gymnosporangium of the family Pucciniaceae. Isolated
spores are nearly seen in 50% of the cups or even more. In
some cases the spores are seen lying even outside the
epidermal layer of the fruit, mostly isolated and some times in
groups (Pl. 5, fig. 3; text-fig. 5). Medium-sized spores are nearly
always double walled and measure 6.7 X 3.3mm. “When very
young, these are round in shape’ but gradually become oval-
shaped at maturity. Each spore is bicellular. It was, however,
not possible to study the contents of the spores.
Classification: Basidiomycetes.
Species: Shuklania enigmocarponae Dwivedi 1968
MycoBank No.: MB 561624.
Description: As for the genus (combined description).
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Intertrappean Beds).
Indian records: Dwivedi 1968, p. 9-10, pl. 1, figs. 1-7, text-figs.
1-7, Intertrappean Beds (Eocene). Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Remarks: Dwivedi (1959) reported a rust fungus, infecting
the fossil fruit Enigmocarpon parijai Sahni, from the
Intertrappean beds (Eocene) and stated that the detailed
description of the same would be published later. Dwivedi
(1968) published a detailed description of the genus
Shuklania, along with illustrations. He stated that “the fossil
fungus seems to be in teliospore stage and not a single
uredospore is found inside the sori. It is probable that these
fungal cups might have produced the uredospores prior to
the present stage. Septate mycelia are well preserved. The
septa, being very thin and few, are, however, partially
preserved.
Genus: Siwalikiathyrites Saxena & Singh 1982
MycoBank No.: MB 519782.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 159
Type Species: Siwalikiathyrites ramanujamii Saxena & Singh
1982.
Description (Saxena & Singh 1982, p. 294): Ascostromata
subcircular to circular, dimidiate, non-ostiolate, no free hyphae,
arrangement of hyphae not radial, divided into cells, central
cells polygonal, outer cells mostly elongate. Pores absent.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) considered
Siwalikiathyrites Saxena & Singh 1982 a junior taxonomic
synonym of Callimothallus Dilcher 1965.
Species: Siwalikiathyrites ramanujamii Saxena & Singh
1982
MycoBank No.: MB 519783.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Callimothallus Dilcher 1965 [See: Callimothallus
ramanujamii (Saxena & Singh 1982) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Genus: Sorosporium Rudolphi 1829
MycoBank No.: MB 16318.
Type Species: Sorosporium saponariae Rudolphi 1829.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Ustilaginales.
Species: Sorosporium mohgaoense Chitaley & Yawale 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 111035.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Sorosporium mohgaoense Chitaley & Yawale 1978 to
Papulosporonites Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964 [See:
Papulosporonites mohgaoensis (Chitaley & Yawale)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Genus: Spegazzinites Felix 1894
MycoBank No.: MB 21303.
Type Species: Spegazzinites cruciformis Felix 1894.
Description (combined description, Felix 1894, p. 279): The
remains are the conidia of a hyphomycete. Their shape and
size varies more than is usually the case with such structures.
However, the morphology is the same in all of them as far as
the somewhat thick polished sections disclose: they consist
of 4 partial cells. In the smaller conidia, these partial cells are
of a slightly elongated shape, and their narrow sides are
oriented towards a point in such a way that together they
form a regular, equal-armed cross (figs. 8a-c). In the larger
specimens, the individual cells are more roundish, the arms of
the cross therefore shortened, so that the entire structure
approaches the shape of a tightly tied, cube-shaped parcel, a
shape found, for instance, in the body of the genus Sarcina.
The size of the smaller conidia is 0.012-0.015 mm (12-15 m),
that of the larger ones 0.021-0.024 mm (21-24 m); in between
occur numerous transitional forms. Some of the conidia are
spinose, and not only the larger ones as was claimed by
Hoffmann, but rather small conidia as well. The spines are of
various lengths, in the larger conidia they are generally shorter
than in the smaller specimens. The dimensions specified above
refer to asetose specimens. In addition to conidia, the
respective polished sections also contain numerous mycelial
remains. A connection between them and the conidia could
not be definitely established, but there is one case where a
conidium appears to sit at the end of a hyphal branch. The
mycelium is sparsely ramified, septa were not observed. The
thicker filaments are 0.003-0.006 mm (3-6 m) in diameter.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Staurosporae.
Species: Spegazzinites indicus Ramanujam & Srisailam
1980
Fig. 347
MycoBank No.: MB 109246.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 120): Spores
melanin coloured, inaperturate, 18-23.8 m in diameter,
cruciately or squarishly septate to form 4 subcircular or
obovoid cells, studded all over with sharply pointed spines
up to 2.5 m long. Spore wall 2-layered, 1.5 m thick.
Fig. 347. Spegazzinites indicus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Palayangadi and Cheruvattur, Kannur beach, Kerala,
India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 120, pl. 1, fig.
1, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 22, Miocene, Godavari-
Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery
Basin, Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Sphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969
MycoBank No.: MB 21304.
Type Species: Sphaerialites ovatus Venkatachala & Kar 1969.
Description (Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 181): Perithecium
60-150 m, subcircular-circular, dark brown. Central part of
perithecium comprises 4-5 more or less square-hexagonal cells,
surrounded by an at least two-layer thick, darker, plate-like
structure, with slightly undulating margin, remaining part one-
layered and composed of unequally long,
160 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
pseudoparenchymatous cells formed by radiating
interconnected hyphae. Mycelium or ascospores not seen.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Remarks: Sphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969 is a junior
synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943.
Species: Sphaerialites ovatus Venkatachala & Kar 1969
MycoBank No.: MB 323724.
Remarks: Since Sphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969 is a
junior synonym of Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943, Kalgutkar
and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to Trichothyrites
Rosendahl 1943 [See: Trichothyrites ovatus (Venkatachala &
Kar 1969) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Genus: Spinosporonites Saxena & Khare 1992
MycoBank No.: MB 28635.
Type Species: Spinosporonites indicus Saxena & Khare 1992.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40): Spores circular to
subcircular, inaperturate; multicellular, each cell giving rise to
a robustly built spine.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Spinosporonites indicus Saxena & Khare 1992
Fig. 348
MycoBank No.: MB 483896.
Description (Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40): Spores subcircular,
size 42-46 x 38-40 m (excluding spines); inaperturate;
multicellular, each cell giving rise to a robustly built spine;
spines 7-9 m long, up to 3 m wide at the base and pointed
at the tip.
Fig. 348. Spinosporonites indicus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, 45 km south of
Neyveli, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Age: Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40, pl. 1, figs. 18-19,
Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well
12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Genus: Spirotremesporites Dueñas-Jimenez 1979, p. 564;
emend. Elsik 1990
MycoBank No.: MB 21309.
Type Species: Spirotremesporites simplex Dueñas-Jimenez
1979.
Varisulcosporites Rouse & Mustard 1997
Description (Dueñas-Jimenez 1979, p. 564): Ellipsoidal to
elongate fungal spores possessing one or several spiralling
furrows. (Jansonius & Hills 1980, card no. 3769).
Emended Description (Elsik 1990, p. 163): Psilate, aseptate
fungal spores. The aperture is a single furrow at an angle to
the axis of the spore, straight or curved to S-shaped or
sigmoidal in outline, or spiral around the spore axis. The furrow
can be short and straight, entirely visible on one face of the
spore; longer and curved; or long and spiral around the outside
of the spore. The spore wall is generally rigid. The spore
outline is elongate elliptical to oval, sometimes somewhat
reniform in side view, i.e. with bilateral symmetry. The ends of
the spore can be similar or dissimilar; one end can be truncated
by an attachment scar.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Affinity: Xylariaceae.
Remarks: Nandi et al. (2003) ascribed all her species of
Spirotremesporites to Spirotremesporites Elsik (1990)
whereas the genus was effectively and validly published by
Dueñas-Jimenez (1979). Elsik (1990) emended the generic
diagnosis to include spores having only a single furrow in
contrast to the original diagnosis where spores possessing
one or several spiralling furrows were included. This
emendation, however, does not affect any change in the
authority of the genus. Therefore, citation of Elsik (1990) as
author of Spirotremesporites (and also of its type: S. simplex)
by Nandi et al. (2003) is considered as an inadvertent error of
citation and all her species, validated above, are considered
to have been published under Spirotremesporites Dueñas-
Jimenez (1979).
Species: Spirotremesporites clinatus Elsik 1990
Fig. 349
MycoBank No.: MB 130383.
Description (Elsik 1990, p. 162): Bilateral, aseptate, psilate
fungal spores of somewhat fusiform shape and with an
elongate, curving furrow crossing the longitudinal face of
the spore at an angle. Overall size ca. 12 x 25 m; spore wall
rigid, ca. 1 m, not thickened, but is slightly protruding at the
apices. The furrow is ca. 15 m long.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 161
Fig. 349. Spirotremesporites clinatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: The Gulf Coast.
Age: Neogene.
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 1, figs. 7, 12, Tertiary
(Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila formations),
North-eastern India.
Species: Spirotremesporites ellipticus Nandi & Banerjee in
Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 350
MycoBank No.: MB 519758.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60): Spores monocellate,
outline narrowly elliptical, sides straight to slightly convex,
ends narrowly rounded or broadly protruded. Furrow obliquely
placed and crossed the longitudinal axis at an angle, long,
broad, sometimes slightly curved. Exine thin surrounding the
furrow, much thicker around the spore outline, surface smooth.
Size range 9 m - 10 m x 28 m - 32 m.
Fig. 350. Spirotremesporites ellipticus. Bar = 6 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Cretaceous-Tertiary (Mahadeo, Langpar, Cherra
Sandstone, Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila
formations).
Indian records: Nandi & Banerjee in Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60,
pl. 2, fig. 9, text-fig. 3.8, Cretaceous-Tertiary (Mahadeo,
Langpar, Cherra Sandstone, Siju, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and
Dupitila formations), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Spirotremesporites ellipticus resembles the
ascospores of Xylaria polymorpha that shows short, straight
to slightly curved furrow. Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al.
(2003) did not validly publish “Spirotremesporites ellipticus”
as they did not cite information on where its holotype is stored
(McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Spirotremesporites eminens (Rouse & Mustard
1997) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 351
MycoBank No.: MB 483550.
Varisulcosporites eminens Rouse & Mustard, Palynology
21, p. 208. 1997.
Varisulcosporites eminens Mustard & Rouse, Geological
Survey of Canada, Bulletin 481, p. 143, pl. 11, fig. 6. 1994.
(nom. inval.).
Description (Rouse & Mustard 1997, p. 208): elliptical outline;
spore wall laevigate and dark melanin brown, about 0.5 m in
equatorial regions, thickened to about 1.25 m at the poles to
form apical caps. Aperture a single sulcus (in holotype weakly
oblique), or sometimes developed as an oblique sulcus,
extended as a thin groove towards both poles, plus a second
thin groove on the opposite side, also extending to the poles,
possibly connecting at the poles with the two grooves coming
off the main sulcus. Dimensions: range of length 22-46 m; of
width 18-20 m.
Fig. 351. Spirotremesporites eminens. Bar = 10 m.
162 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Strait of Georgia, eastern Vancouver Island, the
Fraser River lowlands of southwest British Columbia, and the
north-western Washington State, Canada and U.S.A.
Age: Late Eocene-Early Oligocene.
Indian records: Singh & Tripathi 2010, p. 10, pl. 1, fig. 2, Akli
Formation (Early Palaeogene), Borehole near Barakha, Barmer
District, Rajasthan.
Species: Spirotremesporites longiletus Nandi & Banerjee
in Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 352
MycoBank No.: MB 519757.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60): Spores solitary, ovoid-
elliptical to somewhat fusiform in shape, aseptate, equatorially
expanded, ends gradually and narrowly rounded. Furrow
single, curved, flattened, S-shaped, long, running along the
full length of the spore axis up to the ends and crossing the
longitudinal axis of the spores at an angle. Spore wall about
l.5 m thick and smooth. Size range 35 m - 42 m x 15 m - 25
m.
Fig. 352. Spirotremesporites longiletus. Bar = 7 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dupitila
formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 60, pl. 2, figs.10, 17, text-
fig. 3.7, Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and
Dupitila formations), North-eastern India.
Remarks: The ascospores with spiral furrow have been
reported in some species of Xylaria, i.e. Xylaria apiculata,
Xylaria longiceps and Xylaria persicaria and also in
Hypoxylon conostomum and Hypoxylon quisquilarium
(Nandi et al. 2003). Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003)
did not validly publish “Spirotremesporites longiletus” as
they did not cite information on where its holotype is stored
(McNeill et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Spirotremesporites miocenicus Nandi & Banerjee
in Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 353
MycoBank No.: MB 519756.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 61): Description Spores
unicellate, aseptate, narrowly to broadly elliptical to dumble
shaped, ends broadly rounded, sides straight to slightly
convex, rarely slightly concave in the middle. Furrow single,
long, extended one end of the spore to the other, and spirally
encircles the spore body cutting the sides of the spore two
times and diagonally crossed the centre. Exine thin, smooth.
Size range 15 m - 21 m x 25 m - 32 m.
Fig. 353. Spirotremesporites miocenicus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila
and Dihing formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 61, pl. 2, figs. 8, 13, Tertiary
(Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam, Dupitila and Dihing
formations), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Spirotremesporites miocenicus resembles the
ascospores of some species of the modern genus Xylaria,
e.g. Xylaria apiculata, Xylaria longiceps and Xylaria
persicria and Hypoxylon, e.g. Hypoxylon conostomum and
Hypoxylon quisquilarium (Nandi et al. 2003). Nandi and
Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) did not validly publish
“Spirotremesporites miocenicus” as they did not cite
information on where its holotype is stored (McNeill et al.
2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Spirotremesporites reniformis Nandi & Banerjee
in Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 354
MycoBank No.: MB 519755.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 61): Spores monocellate,
aseptate, reniform shaped, sides concave towards the furrow
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 163
end and convex at other side, ends narrowly rounded. Furrow
single, short, obliquely placed and form 15°-20° angle with
the concave side of the spore. Spore wall 1.5 m thick, smooth.
Size ranges 6 m – l0 m x 28 m – 30 m.
Fig. 354. Spirotremesporites reniformis. Bar = 6 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dihing
formations).
Indian records: Nandi et al. 2003, p. 61-62, pl. 2, figs. 4, 6, text-
fig. 3.9, Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and
Dihing formations), North-eastern India.
Remarks: Ascospores of many genera of modern Xylariaceae
are characterized by having helical to slightly oblique furrow,
e.g. Xylaria polymorpha (Nandi et al. 2003). Nandi and
Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) did not validly publish
“Spirotremesporites reniformis” as they did not cite
information on where its holotype is stored (McNeill et al.
2006: Art. 37.7).
Species: Spirotremesporites tertiarus Nandi & Banerjee in
Nandi et al. 2003 (nom. inval.)
Fig. 355
MycoBank No.: MB 519754.
Description (Nandi et al. 2003, p. 62): Spores solitary, aseptate,
elliptical to subelliptical in shape, ends narrowly rounded,
sides straight to narrowly convex. Furrow long, obliquely
placed and crossed one side of the spore at 45° angle. Spore
wall 2 m thick, smooth. Size ranges from 12 m - 18 m x 15
m - 26 m.
Fig. 355. Spirotremesporites tertiarus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Renkte Kawn-Sherlui Road, Mizoram, India.
Age: Tertiary (Kherapara, Bhuban, Bokabil, Tipam and Dihing
formations).
Remarks: Xylariaceae. Spirotremesporites tertiarus
resembles the ascospores of Xylaria polymorpha (Nandi et
al. 2003). Nandi and Banerjee in Nandi et al. (2003) did not
validly publish “Spirotremesporites tertiarus” as they did
not cite information on where its holotype is stored (McNeill
et al. 2006: Art. 37.7).
Genus: Staphlosporonites Sheffy & Dilcher 1971 emend.
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 21316.
Type Species: Staphlosporonites conoideus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971.
Transeptaesporites Ediger 1981, p. 94.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 48): Inaperturate, psilate
to punctuate fungal or algal bodies of four or more irregular
cells. Cells in clusters, shape variable along more than one
axis.
Emended Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 284):
Inaperturate multicellate fungal spores, with muriform
architecture (cells internally dividing without a regular pattern),
lacking a plane or axis of symmetry. Cells rounded or rounded
polygonal, septa may be depressed where they intersect the
amb. Overall shape generally more or less elongate; sometimes
oval to ellipsoidal, rarely subspherical. Always with a distinct
proximal hold-fast cell and/or a hilar scar.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Staphlosporonites chandrae Gupta 2002
Fig. 356
MycoBank No.: MB 540809.
164 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 143): Spores multicelled, cells
arranged along more than one axis, inaperturate, elongate,
17.5-67 m long, 8-29 m broad, cells irregularly arranged,
number of cells across width ranges from two to four and
across thickness by more than one, septa thin to as thick as
wall, psilate-faintly granulate, wall 1 m thick.
Fig. 356. Staphlosporonites chandrae. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 143, pl. 3, fig. 12, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites conoideus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
Fig. 357
MycoBank No.: MB 111946.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 48): Seven or more
irregular cells arranged in conical shaped body 13.5 x 24.2 m.
Psilate, wall and septa opaque, varying in thickness.
Fig. 357. Staphlosporonites conoideus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Puryear clay pit, one-half mile south of Puryear,
Henry County, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Age: Middle Eocene.
Indian records: Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 48, pl. 2, fig. 27,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100, Kundlu and
Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and Ramshahr, Solan
District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, pl. 1,
fig. 28, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites dichotomus Gupta 2002
Fig. 358
MycoBank No.: MB 540810.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 142): Spores multicelled, many
cells wide, dichotomously branched or lobed bodies,
inaperturate, 52-93 m long, 17.5-29 m (rarely up to 49 m)
broad, cells irregularly placed, more than one cell thick, septa
thickness variable, from thin to as thick as wall, psilate-
granulate.
Fig. 358. Staphlosporonites dichotomus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 142, pl. 3, fig. 11, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites elongatus Gupta 2002
Fig. 359
MycoBank No.: MB 540811.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 142): Spores multicelled, cells
arranged along more than one axis, inaperturate, elongate,
17.5-35 m long, 7.5-13 m broad, number of cells along width
varies by up to two, largely granulate-subverrucose, surface
folded.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 165
Fig. 359. Staphlosporonites elongatus. Bar = 8 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 142, pl. 3, fig. 9, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites elsikii Ramanujam & Srisailam
1980
Fig. 360
MycoBank No.: MB 109551.
Description (Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 122): Spores
dark brown, irregularly cylindrical to elongate ovoid in shape,
inaperturate, 50-57.8 x 12-15.3 m, more or less rounded at
apex, truncate at base, muriform with 6-12 transverse and 4-8
longitudinal or oblique septa, septa fairly thick (3.4 m), spore
wall up to 2 m thick psilate.
Fig. 360. Staphlosporonites elsikii. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Kannur beach area, Palayangadi and Cheruvattur,
Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 122, pl. 1,
figs. 6-7, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala;
Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Remarks: Kumar 1990 transferred this species to
Multicellaesporites, as Multicellaesporites elsikii
(Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980) Kumar 1990, non
Multicellaesporites elsikii Kar & Saxena 1976. However,
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000 did not accept this transfer.
Species: Staphlosporonites neyveliensis Ambwani 1983
Fig. 361
MycoBank No.: MB 107315.
Description (Ambwani 1983, p. 149): The fungal body
consisting of about 17 fungal cells arranged in an oblong
structure; brown in colour measuring about 105 x 60 m in
size. The fungal body is 2-3 cells wide and the whole mass
tapering to a single cell thickness. Each cell is psilate,
measuring up to 20 m in size. Wall of the spore is thin and
smooth.
Fig. 361. Staphlosporonites neyveliensis. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Neyveli Lignite, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu,
India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Ambwani 1983, p. 149-150, pl. 1, fig. 7, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Species: Staphlosporonites raoi Gupta 2002
Fig. 362
MycoBank No.: MB 540812.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 142): Spores multicelled, showing
a many cells wide multistratose main body and thin branch(es),
inaperturate, main body 32-40 m long, 8-15 m (rarely up to
29 m) broad, cells irregularly placed, in main body but along
single axis in side branch, psilate.
166 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 362. Staphlosporonites raoi. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: ?Eocene (Dagshai Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002 p. 142, pl. 3, fig. 10, Dagshai
Formation (?Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites settyi Gupta 2002
Fig. 363
MycoBank No.: MB 540813.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 143): Spores multicelled,
comprising a globular mass, inaperturate, subcircular, 20 x 17
- 32 x 23 m, cells variable in shape ( i.e. ± hemispherical to
polyangular), irregularly placed, number more than one across
thickness; septa variable in thickness, thin or thick as wall;
nearly psilate, surface slightly folded.
Fig. 363. Staphlosporonites settyi. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 143, pl. 3, fig. 13, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Staphlosporonites siwalikus Saxena &
Bhattacharyya 1987
MycoBank No.: MB 483890.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Papulosporonites Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964
[See: Papulosporonites siwalikus (Saxena & Bhattacharyya
1987) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
Species: Staphlosporonites subcircularis Chandra et al.
1984
MycoBank No.: MB 107316.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Papulosporonites Schmiedeknecht & Schwab 1964
[See: Papulosporonites subcircularis (Chandra et al. 1984)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.]
Species: Staphlosporonites tetracellatus Gupta 2002
Fig. 364
MycoBank No.: MB 540814.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 142): Spores tetrad/four celled
mass, cells arranged along more than one axis in a manner
forming a one cell thick plate, inaperturate, 12 x 8-17 x 15 m,
psilate, surface often folded, wall up to 1.5 m thick, often
two layered.
Fig. 364. Staphlosporonites tetracellatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 142, pl. 3, fig. 8, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 167
Species: Staphlosporonites tristratosus Sheffy & Dilcher
1971
MycoBank No.: MB 111948.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this
species to Dictyosporites Felix 1894 [See: Dictyosporites
tristratosus (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
Genus: Stauromyca Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541737.
Type species: Stauromyca radiata Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Hyphomycetaceous fungi,
conidiophores unbranched, tubular, septate; conidia solitary,
globular, generally four armed, basal cell septate, swollen at
base, arms of variable length, mostly nonseptate, tubular, light
brown.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Stauromyca radiata Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 365
MycoBank No.: MB 542344.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Conidiophores long,
tubular, straight to bent, 12-15 x 2-3 m, wall less than 1 m
thick, laevigate, 3 septa distinct, straight, conidia triangular,
folded, attachment cell of conidiophore slightly swollen, 12-
18 x 10-16 m, four arms divergent, straight or bent, unequal
in length, 8-16 x 3-4 m, bulged at base, nonseptate except
one at base, wall about 1 m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 365. Stauromyca radiata. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 9, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Striadiporites Varma & Rawat 1963
MycoBank No.: MB 21324.
Type Species: Striadiporites reticulatus Varma & Rawat 1963.
Stridiporosporites Ke & Shi 1978
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137): Diporate grains
with striated exine.
Emended Description (Elsik & Jansonius 1974, p. 954): Fungal
spores of oval to fusiform ambitus and with longitudinally
ribbed to broadly reticulate ornament. Two pores, one at each
end of the spore on the long axis. One cell; no septa, except
occasionally a very thin membrane across inner edge of
apertures.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Amerosporae.
Species: Striadiporites reticulatus Varma & Rawat 1963
Fig. 366
MycoBank No.: MB 111055.
Diporisporites reticulatus (Varma & Rawat) Elsik 1968 (nom.
inval.)
Description (Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137): Pollen grains 2-
porate, bilateral, isopolar, somewhat barrel-shaped (29 x 46 x
29 m). Pore on either side of the long axis simple and sunken,
about 7.1-8.6 m in diameter, presumably circular. Grain dark
in colour. Exine less than 1 m thick, distinctly striated
(striation running from pore to pore). Lists connected by
oblique, smaller, slightly irregular lists. In this way a sort of
network, with lumina of different shapes and sizes, is formed.
Individual lists about 1-2 m broad.
Fig. 366. Striadiporites reticulatus. Bar = 20 m.
Locality: Western and eastern India.
Age: Late Oligocene-Early Miocene
Indian records: Varma & Rawat 1963, p. 137, fig. 21, Late
Oligocene-Early Miocene; Western and eastern India,
including oil exploration areas in West Bengal and Assam.
168 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
T
Genus: Teliosporites Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541742.
Type species: Teliosporites globatus Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Fungal teliospores, always
in mass, 21-32 x 19-28 m, generally surrounded by
gelatinous translucent sheath, up to 2 m thick, spores
laevigate, sterile cells may be associated with fertile ones,
pseudobaculate appearance on surface view.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Ustilaginales.
Species: Teliosporites globatus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 367
MycoBank No.: MB 542358.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Spore mass subcircular-
oval, 21-28 x 19-27 m, margin undulated due to the presence
of gelatinous covering; 12-18 spores joined together,
individual spore subcircular, 8-11 x 6-9 m, spore wall up to
2 m thick, laevigate, light brown; gelatinous sheath often
disappears during maceration, about 2 m thick, translucent,
weakly granulose, grana less than 1 m high, sparsely placed.
Fig. 367. Teliosporites globatus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 2, fig. 1, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Teliosporites hirsutus Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 368
MycoBank No.: MB 542359.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 246): Teliospores always occur
in mass, 12-24 spores joined together to form subcircular shape,
18-31 x 16-29 m. Cells of two kinds - fertile and sterile, fertile
cells bigger 12-18 x 10-16 m, sterile cells 4-8 x 3-7 m;
spore wall about 1 m thick, laevigate; fertile cells 12-28 in
number, sterile cells numerous, covering fertile cells, closely
placed to form retibaculate pattern.
Fig. 368. Teliosporites hirsutus. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 246, pl. 2, fig. 3, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Tetracoccosporium Szabó 1905
MycoBank No.: MB 10192.
Type Species: Tetracoccosporium paxianum Szabó 1905.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Dictyosporae.
Species: Tetracoccosporium eocenum Biradar & Mahabale
1974
Fig. 369
MycoBank No.: MB 51978.
Description (Biradar & Mahabale 1974, p. 223): Hyphae
septate, thin walled to moderately thick walled, hyaline,
profusely branched; individual cell measuring 9.4 x 5 m.
Conidia 13 x 18 m, thick-walled, smooth, dark brown to
blackish brown, 4-celled, variously shaped, viz. cruciate or
horizontally linear, T-shaped or nearly spherical. A single cell
of conidia measures 8.4 x 9 m. Conidiophores very short, 6 x
7 m.
Fig. 369. Tetracoccosporium eocenum. Bar = 20 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 169
Locality: Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh, India.
Age: Maastrichtian (Deccan Intertrappean Series).
Indian records: Biradar & Mahabale 1974, p. 223-226, pl. 1,
figs. 1-4, text-figs. 1-4, Deccan Intertrappean Series
(Maastrichtian), Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District,
Madhya Pradesh.
Genus: Tetradigita Kar et al. 2010
MycoBank No.: MB 541743.
Type species: Tetradigita stellata Kar et al. 2010.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, 246): Fungal conidia, blastic in
development, conidium long, tubular, bends in middle to
produce generally two lateral arms, simultaneously giving a
stellate appearance, arms equal-unequal in length (5-30 x 2-4
m), sometimes with further branching, spore wall 1 m thick,
laevigate, translucent-light brown, mostly not septate.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Tetradigita stellata Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 370
MycoBank No.: MB 542360.
Description(Kar et al. 2010, 247): Conidiogenous cells like
ordinary hyphae, conidia develop before septation of
conidiogenous cells, filamentous, straight in young stage,
slightly curved at maturity to bear two arms laterally at the
same time; arms 14-28 x 2-4 m, tubular, generally without
septa, 8-10 times longer than broad, arms gradually tapering
at terminal end, generally 4 armed, sometimes 5, arm may be
branched laterally or dichotomously at base; wall roughly 1
m thick, laevigate.
Fig. 370. Tetradigita stellata. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 4, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Genus: Tricellaesporonites Sheffy & Dilcher 1971
MycoBank No.: MB 21339.
Type Species: Tricellaesporonites triangularis Sheffy &
Dilcher 1971.
Description (Sheffy & Dilcher 1971, p. 48): Tricellate, cells
spherical or subspherical, inaperturate, shape variable.
Diseptate or triseptate, ornamentation psilate to punctate.
Emended Description (Gupta 2002, p. 135): Tricelled, di- or
triseptate, inaperturate, fungal spores or algal bodies, cells
along more than one axis, psilate or ornamented, shape
spherical, subspherical to subcircular.
Classification: Fungi, Incertae sedis.
Species: Tricellaesporonites granulatus Gupta 2002
Fig. 371
MycoBank No.: MB 540845.
Description (Gupta 2002, p. 135) Spores three celled, not
uniseriate, inaperturate, nearly subcircular, 10 x 6 m, faintly
granular, surface folded, wall <0.5 m thick.
Fig. 371. Tricellaesporonites granulatus. Bar = 5 m.
Locality: Dadahu Road Section (left bank of Giri River), Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Age: Eocene (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 2002, p. 135, pl. 2, fig. 11, Subathu
Formation (Eocene), Dadahu Road Section (left bank of Giri
River), Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Genus: Trichopeltinites Cookson 1947
MycoBank No.: MB 21340.
Type Species: Trichopeltinites pulcher Cookson 1947.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 211): Thallus that of the
Trichopeltineae. Ascomata developed as thickened areas of
the thallus and dehiscing by an irregular ostiole as in
Trichopeltis Theiss. (Stevens 1925). Ascospores unknown.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
170 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Species: Trichopeltinites folius Kar et al. 2010
Fig. 372
MycoBank No.: MB 542362.
Description (Kar et al. 2010, p. 247): Ascostromata leaf-like
with lobes, 90-110 x 20-25 m, margin undulated, hyphae
radially arranged one layered thick, more or less parallel to
each other, raised, often branched, transverse septa few,
anastomose to form pseudoparenchymatous cells particularly
on fruiting bodies, fruiting bodies subcircular, 8-10 m,
alternately placed, internal structure not visible due to hyphae.
Fig. 372. Trichopeltinites folius. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Age: Miocene (Bhuban Formation).
Indian records: Kar et al. 2010, p. 247, pl. 2, fig. 7, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram.
Species: Trichopeltinites fusilis Dilcher 1965
Fig. 373
MycoBank No MB 340373.
Description (Dilcher 1965, p. 21): Stromata extremely variable
in size and shape, 30-500 m in diameter, circular to tongue-
shaped with irregular lobed margins. Stromata most common
on upper epidermis, one cell thick, free hyphae may be present.
Hyphae closely appressed together and to the surface of the
host leaf, forming radiate and linear stromata. Rows of hyphae
originate from a central area in a stroma and grow out in all
directions, dichotomizing and forming arms or lobes of various
shapes and sizes. Cells near central area of stroma generally
isodiametric, 3-8 m in diameter, angular, lack any specific
orientation. Cells elsewhere in stroma square to elongate, 2-4
x 8-25 m, frequently dichotomize, increasing the radiating
rows of cells. Upper surface of stroma slightly granulose.
Mature stromata characterized by ascomata that are local,
round, thickened areas 25-50 m in diameter, located centrally
within the lobes or main body of the stroma. One to several
fruiting bodies present in a single stroma. At maturity the
thickened cells located over the stromata arch away from the
surface of the host leaf and split apart. Eventually they break
away from the stroma leaving holes which then indicate the
position of the former ascomata. Small fruiting bodies 25-40
m in diameter, developing central irregular openings 5-7 m
in diameter at maturity, are associated with and/or connected
to large stromata by evanescent hyphae, appear to be
diminutive fertile stroma. Seta bases 4-5 m in diameter, rarely
present, dark, thickened points, may be surrounded by rosette
of mycelial cells. No spores found. Host plants various species
of Sapindus.
Fig. 373. Trichopeltinites fusilis. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Western Tennessee, U.S.A.
Age: Early Eocene.
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 101, pl. 2, fig. 14,
Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala; Tripathi 2001, p.
566, figs. 3G-I, Rajmahal Formation (Early Cretaceous),
Borehole RJNE-32, depth 95.50 m, Rajmahal Basin, Bihar.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 171
Species: Trichopeltinites kiandrensis Selkirk 1975
Fig. 374
MycoBank No.: MB 324955.
Description (Selkirk 1975, p. 85): Mycelium a radiate
prosenchymatous membrane one cell thick; no free
outgrowths from the margin. Mycelial membrane linear,
branched, often almost circular where crowded. Individual
hyphae dichotomously branched, septate; cells square to
rectangular, 4-26 m long and 2-5 m wide; hyphal walls
straight, ca. 0.5 m thick. Fructifications formed centrally under
the mycelial membrane, 50-185 m diameter. Cells above
fructifications markedly shorter than elsewhere in the
membrane, 4-10.5 m long, thick-walled. Upper wall of
fructification of radiate dichotomously branched hyphae.
Fig. 374. Trichopeltinites kiandrensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Kiandra, New South Wales, Australia.
Age: Early Miocene.
Indian records: Reddy et al. 1982, p. 117-118, pl. 2, figs. 5-6,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil
Nadu; Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 265-266, pl. 2, fig. 10,
Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 60, pl. 1, fig. 18, Late Tertiary, Site
218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean.
Genus: Trichothyrites Rosendahl 1943
MycoBank No.: MB 21342.
Type Species: Trichothyrites pleistocaenicus Rosendahl 1943.
Notothyrites Cookson 1947
Sphaerialites Venkatachala & Kar 1969
Description (combined description, Rosendahl 1943, p. 137):
Mycelium consisting of yellowish or brownish, branching,
septate hyphae with occasional anastomoses, 5-6.7 m in
diameter, individual cells (20) 28-33 (41) m long, perithecia
dark brown to nearly black, circular or nearly so, disk-shaped
or, because of slightly upturned margin, shallow saucer-
shaped, 70-95 m in diameter, complete, with upper and lower
membranes composed of radially arranged cells, upper
membrane with a central papilla having a distinct pore or
ostiole, marginal cells of membrane 4-5 m wide, 6-8 m long,
cells of papilla more nearly quadrangular and thick walled,
several of the marginal cells of pore prolonged into finger-like
processes, cells of lower membrane all thin walled and radiating
from a circular central cell, asci and spores lacking.
Emended Description (Smith 1980, p. 209): Thyriothecia
appearing disc- or saucer-shaped due to compression;
possessing definite upper and lower walls of radiate rows of
almost square ells (3-8 x 3-8 m). Cell walls of upper layer of
thyriothecium generally more strongly thickened than those
of the lower layer. Thyriothecia ranging from 70 m to 200 m
in diameter, and bearing on upper wall an erect ostiolar collar
(papilla) made up of 2-6 tiers of small (2 x 2 m) extremely
thick-walled quadrilateral cells. Upper most tier (ostiolar
margin) of cells may have short prolongations (setae) in some
cases. Thyriothecial outline usually smooth, but may appear
lobate.
Classification: Ascomycetes, Microthyriales.
Species: Trichothyrites airensis (Cookson 1947) Kalgutkar
& Jansonius 2000
Fig. 375
MycoBank No.: MB 483563.
Notothyrites airensis Cookson 1947, p. 209, pl. 11, fig. 7.
Trichothyrites airensis (Cookson 1947) Reddy et al., Records
of the Geological Survey of India 114(5), p. 114. 1982. (nom.
inval.).
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 209): Ascomata flattened-
hemispherical, glabrous, 90-160 m in diameter, composed of
radiating hyphae united along their whole length, cells thin
walled, cubical to rectangular, 2.5-5.5 m thick and 3-13 m
long. Margin thin, entire. Ostiole well defined, 8 m in diameter,
surmounting a prominently-raised, dark brown, conical border
composed of four or five layers of thick walled cells, the base
of which is 29.5 m in diameter.
Fig. 375. Trichothyrites airensis. Bar = 40 m.
172 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Locality: Australia, New Zealand and the Kerguelen
Archipelago.
Age: Oligocene-Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 205, pl. 1, fig. 9,
Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala.
Remarks: Reddy et al. (1982) proposed the new combination
Trichothyrites airensis (Cookson), but did not provide the
basionym or bibliographic details, and hence did not validly
publish this combination.
Species: Trichothyrites amorphus (Kar & Saxena 1976)
Saxena & Misra 1990
Fig. 376
MycoBank No.: MB 483359.
Notothyrites amorphus Kar & Saxena, Palaeobotanist 23(1),
p. 9, pl. 4, figs. 44-45. 1976.
Description (Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 9): Ascostromata mostly
subcircular, 45-105 x 40-98 m, dimidiate, ostiolate; ostiole
surrounded by a wall of few cells thick. Hyphae radially
arranged but do not anastomose to form distinct
pseudoparenchymatous cells.
Fig. 376. Trichothyrites amorphus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.
Age: Palaeocene (Matanomadh Formation).
Indian records: Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 9, pl. 4, figs. 44-45,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108, pl. 2, figs. 21-22,
Neogene, around Kollam and Varkala, Kerala; Phadtare &
Kulkarni 1980, p. 166, pl. 1, fig. 2, Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene),
Ratnagiri-Pawas Road near Third Dharamshala stop 10 km
south of Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra; Kar &
Saxena 1981, p. 106, Middle-Late Eocene, bore core no. 27
near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Singh & Saxena 1984, p.
624, pl. 2, fig. 33, Girujan Clay (Neogene), Jorajan Well-3,
Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 50, pl. 2, figs. 28-29, Kasauli
Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 188, pl. 2, fig. 39,
Lower Siwalik (Middle-Late Miocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section,
Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Kar 1985, p. 130, Eocene,
bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District, Gujarat; Singh et
al. 1986, p. 96, pl. 1, fig. 10, Dona Member, Bhuban Formation
(Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia
Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Rajendran et
al. 1989, p. 43, pl. 1, fig. 15, Miocene, Edavai, Kerala; Sarkar et
al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik (Late Miocene), Bagh Rao,
Dehradun District, Uttarakhand; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 270,
Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra; Saxena & Sarkar 2000, p. 257, Siju
Formation (Middle Eocene), Simsang River Section near Siju,
South Garo Hills District, Meghalaya.
Species: Trichothyrites denticulatus (Ramanujam & Rao
1973) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 377
MycoBank No.: MB 483564.
Notothyrites denticulatus Ramanujam & Rao, Palaeobotanist
20(2), p. 204, pl. 1, fig. 7. 1973.
Trichothyrites denticulatus (Ramanujam & Rao 1973) Reddy
et al., Records of the Geological Survey of India 114(5), p.
114. 1982. (nom. inval.).
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 204): Free mycelium
lacking. Ascomata discoid, dimidiate, rounded, margin smooth,
rigid; 69-81 m in diameter. Ostiolate, ostiole centric, 10-15 m
in diameter, elevated on slightly raised border. Ostiole border
3-4-layered, cells dark brown, thick-walled, rounded to
flattened, lumina narrow. Marginal cells of ascomata 5-16 x
3.8-6.5 m, tangential walls thickened. Cells between ostiole
border and ascomata periphery squarish to rectangular, with
thickened tangential walls; 4-7 conical, teeth-like (denticular)
processes protruding into ostiole cavity from inner layer of
border. Denticular processes 3-5 m long, 4-5 m broad basally,
tip blunt or subacute, often slightly reflexed.
Fig. 377. Trichothyrites denticulatus. Bar = 50 m.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 173
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 204-205, pl. 1, figs.
7-8, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala; Rao &
Ramanujam 1976, p. 98, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Quilon and Warkalli
Beds (Miocene), Kerala; Phadtare & Kulkarni 1980, p. 166, pl.
1, fig. 1, Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene), Ratnagiri-Pawas Road near
Third Dharamshala stop 10 km south of Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri
District, Maharashtra.
Remarks: Ramanujam compared this species with
Notothyrites neyveli. However, although “N. neyveli” was
mentioned by Ramanujam in the abstract published in the
Proceedings of the 50th Indian Congress (1963b), this name
was not validly published. Reddy et al. (1982) proposed the
new combination Trichothyrites denticulatus (Cookson), but
did not provide the basionym or bibliographic details, and
hence did not validly publish this combination.
Species: Trichothyrites echinatus (Rao & Ramanujam 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 378
MycoBank No.: MB 483565.
Notothyrites echinatus Rao & Ramanujam, Geophytology
6(1), p. 99, pl. 1, fig. 3. 1976.
Trichothyrites echinatus (Rao & Ramanujam 1976) Reddy et
al., Records of the Geological Survey of India 114(5), p. 114.
1982. (nom. inval.).
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 99): Ascomata
flattened, dimidiate, rounded, margin even and firm; 90-115
m in diameter; ostiolate, ostiole centric, 11-14 m in diameter,
elevated on a thick border of 4-5 layers of thick-walled cells,
inner layer of ostiole border with 15-22 prominent spinous
processes, spines 5-8 m long, 2.0-2.5 m broad at the base.
Rest of the fruiting body with radially aligned squarish to
rectangular cells, 3.0-3.5 x 2.5-4.5 m in size, radial walls of
these cells thick-walled.
Fig. 378. Trichothyrites echinatus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene.
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 99, pl. 1, figs. 3-4,
Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala.
Remarks: Reddy et al. (1982) proposed the combination
Trichothyrites echinatus (Cookson), but did not provide the
basionym or bibliographic details, and hence did not validly
publish this combination.
Species: Trichothyrites keralensis (Rao & Ramanujam 1976)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 379
MycoBank No.: MB 483258.
Asterothyrites keralensis Rao & Ramanujam, Geophytology
6(1), p. 101, pl. 2, fig. 12. 1976.
Description (Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 101): Ascomata
rounded, dimidiate, margin even to crenate, firm, 58-85 m in
diameter. Ostiolate, ostiole centric, round, 7-9 m in diameter,
with a prominent border of 2-3 layers of thick-walled dark
brown cells. Hyphopodiate free mycelial shreds near ostiole
border, rest of ascomata with strictly radially arranged,
squarish to rectangular 2-4 m wide cells; outer walls of
marginal cells thickened. Ascospores unknown.
Fig. 379. Trichothyrites keralensis. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Warkalli, Kerala, India.
Age: Late Miocene.
Indian records: Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 100-101, pl. 2, figs.
11-12, Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala; Singh &
Sarkar 1994, p. 52, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Species: Trichothyrites ovatus (Venkatachala & Kar 1969)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 380
MycoBank No.: MB 483567.
174 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Sphaerialites ovatus Venkatachala & Kar, Palaeobotanist
17(2), p. 182, pl. 1, fig. 11. 1969.
Description (Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 182): Perithecium
dark brown, subcircular-circular, size range 60-150 m. Central
part of perithecium lighter, comprising 4-5 hexagonal cells,
surrounded by a thick, at least two-layered, dark, plate-like,
well-defined, rounded area consisting of square-hexagonal
cells. Remaining part of perithecium one-layered and
comprising square to somewhat hexagonal
pseudoparenchymatous cells of unequal length and width,
produced by the radiating interconnected hyphae. Outer
margin slightly undulating, not thickened.
Fig. 380. Trichothyrites ovatus. Bar = 50 m.
Locality: Bore-hole No. 14, Matanomadh, Kutch District,
Gujarat, India.
Age: Eocene.
Indian records: Venkatachala & Kar 1969, p. 182, pl. 1, figs. 9-
11, Naredi Formation (Early Eocene), Bore-hole No. 14,
Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat; Rawat et al. 1977, p.
187, Kadi Formation (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Trichothyrites padappakkarensis (Jain & Gupta
1970) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 381
MycoBank No.: MB 483568.
Notothyrites padappakkarensis Jain & Gupta, Palaeobotanist
18(2), p. 178, pl. 1, fig. 14. 1970.
Trichothyrites padappakkarensis (Jain & Gupta 1970) Reddy
et al., Records of the Geological Survey of India 114(5), p.
114, pl. 1, fig. 8. 1982. (nom. inval.).
Description (Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 178): Ascomata flattened,
subcircular, ostiolate, outline sinuous, 40-100 m in diameter,
solitary, made up of interconnected radiating hyphae; cells
2.5 x 4 m, elongated towards periphery; wall thin, tangential
walls of peripheral cells strongly thickened and entire. Ostiole
well defined, 7-10 m in diameter, distinctly elevated, centric
to slightly eccentric, bordered by two to four layers of dark
brown, thick-walled, papillate cells; degree of raise of papillate
surface variable, 1.5-2.5 m high. Hyphae absent. Ascospores
unknown.
Fig. 381. Trichothyrites padappakkarensis. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Padappakkara, Kollam, Kerala, South India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 178, pl. 1, figs. 13-14,
Quilon Beds (Early Miocene), Kollam District, Kerala; Rao &
Ramanujam 1976, p. 99, pl. 1, fig. 5, Quilon and Warkalli Beds
(Miocene), Kerala; Dutta & Singh 1980, p. 620, pl. 1, fig. 6,
Siwalik Group-Units A-C (Late Miocene-Pleistocene),
Bhalukpong-Bomdila Section, Kameng District, Arunachal
Pradesh; Reddy et al. 1982, p. 114, pl. 1, fig. 8, Neyveli lignite
(Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu; Varma
1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 9, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine,
Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 96,
pl. 1, fig. 7, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar
District, Assam.
Remarks: Trichothyrites padappakkarensis was originally
described from the Quilon sediments of Kerala (Jain & Gupta
1970). Rao and Ramanujam (1976) recorded similar fruiting
bodies from the Quilon and Warkalli beds of Kerala. Reddy et
al. (1982) expressed their agreement with Elsik (1978) that
Cookson’s (1947a) form genus Notothyrites is
indistinguishable from Trichothyrites described earlier by
Rosendahl (1943) and opined that all the species described
under Notothyrites should be incorporated under
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 175
Trichothyrites. Reddy et al. (1982) proposed the new
combination Trichothyrites padappakkarensis (Jain &
Gupta), but did not provide the basionym or bibliographic
details, and hence did not validly publish this combination.
Species: Trichothyrites sastryi Patil & Ramanujam 1988
Fig. 382
MycoBank No.: MB 519780.
Description (Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 262): Ascomata light
brown, discoid, rounded, 163 m in diameter (holotype), one-
layered, mostly free mycelium lacking, ostiolate. Ostiole 23
m, more or less rounded, slightly raised from the general
surface of ascoma, centric, encircled by 2-4 layers of dark-
brown, thick-walled angular cells. Rest of ascoma composed
of strictly radiating hyphae, with both longitudinal and cross
walls distinct, cells rectangular, 15-20 m in length and 3-11
m in width, longer towards ascomal margin. Marginal layers
of cells thicker than rest of cells, dark-brown, simple or furcate,
forming a rather well-defined band, margin uneven.
Fig. 382. Trichothyrites sastryi. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Tonakkal, Kerala, India.
Age: Miocene.
Indian records: Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 262-263, pl. 1, fig.
2, Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala;
Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 29, fig. 2.16, Cambay Shale (Early
Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Species: Trichothyrites setifer (Cookson 1947) Saxena &
Misra 1990
Fig. 383
MycoBank No.: MB 483358.
Notothyrites setifer Cookson, Proceedings of the Linnean
Society, New South Wales 72 (3-4), p. 209, pl. 11, fig. 1. 1947a.
Description (Cookson 1947, p. 209): Ascomata flattened-
hemispherical with a somewhat sinuous outline, 70-135 m in
diameter, solitary, composed of radiating hyphae connected
throughout their whole length. Cells approximately 4-13 m
long and 4-10 m thick, frequently becoming more elongated
towards the periphery. Cell walls of the majority of cells thin,
but the outer walls of the peripheral layer frequently strongly
thickened to form the firm, entire margin of the ascoma. The
ostiole is well defined, distinctly elevated and either centrally
or slightly eccentrically placed. It is 10-16 m in diameter and
bordered by three or four layers of dark brown, thick-walled
cubical cells. The border is cylindrical and some of the cells
bear setae, and their walls are thick and brown below, thinning
towards lighter, bluntly-pointed apices (pl. 11, fig. 4).
Fig. 383. Trichothyrites setifer. Bar = 40 m.
Locality: Australia, New Zealand and the Kerguelen
Archipelago;
Age: Oligocene-Miocene.
Indian records: Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 41, 42, 44, Miocene,
Tonakkal, Padappakkara, Kannur, Palayangadi, Kerala; Kar
1990a, p. 179, pl. 8, fig. 118, Surma and Tipam groups
(Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1
and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura; Kar 1990b, p. 232, 236,
240, pl. 2, fig. 6, Disang, Jenam and Bhuban formations
(Palaeocene-Eocene, Middle Oligocene and Early Miocene),
Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam; Saxena & Misra 1990,
p. 270, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Kar & Bhattacharya 1992,
p. 251, Rajpardi lignite (Early Eocene), Bharuch District,
Gujarat; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 37, Late Palaeocene-Middle
Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu; Ambwani 1993, p. 153, Palaeocene-Early
Eocene, Rekmangiri Coalfield, Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Kar et
al. 1994, p. 187, Tertiary, subsurface sediments in Upper
Assam; Rao 1995, p. 233, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur
districts, Kerala; Kumar 1996, p. 114, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Bharuch District, Gujarat; Rao 1996,
176 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
p. 156, Early Miocene, Turavur Borehole near Panchayat L.P.
School, west of N.H. 47 between 380 and 381 km, Alleppey
District, Kerala; Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road near
Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Samant &
Phadtare 1997, p. 68, pl. 14, fig. 16, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Rao & Nair
1998, p. 52, pl. 1, fig. 26, Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road
area, Kollam District, Kerala; Mitra et al. 2000, p. 126, pl. 1, fig.
1, Siwalik Group (Neogene), Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern
Himalaya; Rao 2000, p. 295, Kherapara Formation (Oligocene),
Tura-Dalu Road Section near Kherapara, West Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra; Tripathi et al. 2000, p. 243, Tura
Formation (Early Eocene), Tura-Dalu Road, West Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, Lakadong
Sandstone (Late Palaeocene), around Bhalukurung, North
Cachar Hills, Assam; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 3, fig. 16, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Kar et al. 2010, p. 242, Bhuban Formation
(Miocene), Tlangsam, Mizoram, India.
Species: Trichothyrites siwalikus Phadtare 1989
Fig. 384
MycoBank No.: MB 519779.
Description (Phadtare 1989, p. 128): Ascomata of variable
sizes, slightly to distinctly eccentric, profusely and deeply
lobed along periphery, ostiolate, radiate; individual cells
distally porate, rectangular, elongated along the radius,
thinning towards the periphery, mycelium lacking.
Fig. 384. Trichothyrites siwalikus. Bar = 100 m.
Locality: Kali River Section near Thuli Gad, about 18 km NE
of Tanakpur, Uttarakhand, India.
Age: Middle Miocene (Lower Siwalik).
Indian records: Phadtare 1989, p. 128, fig. 5, Middle Miocene,
Kali River Section near Thuli Gad, about 18 km NE of Tanakpur,
Uttarakhand.
Genus: Trimmatostroma Corda 1837
MycoBank No.: MB 10312.
Type Species: Trimmatostroma salicis Corda 1837.
Classification: Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes.
Species: Trimmatostroma intertrappea Patil & Datar 2002
Fig. 385
MycoBank No.: MB 530090.
Description (Patil & Datar 2002, p. 32-34): (Diagnosis):
Mycelium septate, branched, thin walled, hyaline, individual
cells circular to oval, thin walled, 4-12 m in length and 4-8 m
in breadth, dark brown coloured, quadrate conidia on short
conidiophores, terminal, 16-24 m x 8-16 m and an individual
spore in the quadrate conidium 1-5 m in diameter.
Conidiophore 8 m long and 8 m in breadth. Conidia kidney-
shaped and many celled. (Description): A well preserved
septate mycelium has been found in a fossil dicot wood
measuring 7.5 cm x 5.8 cm. While examining the tangential
longitudinal section of the wood, it was observed that its ray
tissue and adjoining tissues were heavily infected by an
endogenous well preserved fungus. Same type of fungal
infection is seen in the fruit wall of a fossil fruit. Mycelium is
septate, thin to thick-walled, hyaline to yellowish and
branched. Individual cells of the mycelium are circular to oval
in shape 4-12 m in length and 4-8 m in breadth. Cells are
thickened and sometimes these thick walled cells contain
dark, black, coloured granular contents. Stroma is well
preserved. At many places the mycelium shows dark brown
to black coloured conidia. Conidia are sessile or having very
short stalk. The conidiophores measure 8 m in diameter. The
conidia are variously arranged in groups of 2-4. Conidia form
kidney shaped structures and this arrangement seems to be
very typical of this fungus. These quadrate conidia measure
16-24 m x 8-16 m in diameter. Conidia are thick walled,
smooth, brown to black. They are often very dark at their tips
or along the edge. An individual cell in the quadrate of a
conidium measures 1.5 m.
Locality: Nawargaon-Maragsur area, Wardha District,
Maharashtra, India.
Age: Late Cretaceous-Palaeocene (Deccan Intertrappean
Beds).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 177
Fig. 385. Trimmatostroma intertrappea. Bar = 10 m.
Indian records: Patil & Datar 2002, p. 32-34, pl. 1, figs. 1-4,
text-figs. 1-8, Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Late Cretaceous-
Palaeocene), Nawargaon-Maragsur area, Wardha District,
Maharashtra.
U
Genus: Udaria Gupta 1996
MycoBank No.: MB 519776.
Type Species: Udaria singhii Gupta 1996.
Description (Gupta 1996, p. 103): (Diagnosis) Variously
subcircular-ellipsoidal-oval, with germ slit (furrow) and a tube-
like appendage, generally irregularly folded, psilate.
(Description): 39 x 33 - 116 x 81 5 m (excluding appendage),
appendage 3-8 m broad. Position of slit and appendage
variable; these two occur at opposite ends, very close to
each other, often between these two positions. Slit elongate,
small-large, running around nearly up to whole surface;
situated irregularly, somewhat obliquely, often obliquely
horizontal, nearly vertically in relation to appendage; one,
rarely appears more. Number of folds in individual specimen
variable ranging from rare to copious, folds irregularly
distributed occasionally parallel to margin. Body shape
variable due to haphazard foldings and widened opening of
wall at the slit.
Classification: Zygomycetes, Endogonales.
Remarks: Gupta (1996, p. 104) differentiated this genus from
Aplanosporites Kar 1979 (here considered a taxonomic
synonym of Palaeomycites Meschinelli 1902) in having a
germ slit (furrow) which is lacking in the latter. The illustrations
of both the species of this genus (Udaria singhii and Udaria
saxenae), however, are very poor and do not clearly show the
germ slit.
Species: Udaria saxenae Gupta 1996
Fig. 386
MycoBank No.: MB 519778.
Description (Gupta 1996, p. 104): Light brown, subcircular-
ellipsoidal, with slit and a tube-like appendage.65 x 46 – 116 x
81.5 m (excluding appendage), wall up to 7 m thick, surface
irregularly folded, psilate, appendage 3-8 m broad.
Fig. 386. Udaria saxenae. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Tertiary (Subathu Formation).
Indian records: Gupta 1996, p. 104, figs. 9-14, Subathu
Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Remarks: Gupta (1996) ascribed this species to acritarchs.
However, its fungal affinity, related to VAM fungi, is
unquestionable.
Species: Udaria singhii Gupta 1996
Fig. 387
MycoBank No.: MB 519777.
Description (Gupta 1996, p. 104): Deep brown, subcircular-
oval with slit and a tube-like appendage, 39 x 33 - 75.5 x 67 m
(excluding appendage), wall ca. 2-2.6 m thick, surface
irregularly folded, psilate, appendage 4-8 m broad.
178 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Fig. 387. Udaria singhii. Bar = 30 m.
Locality: Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh, India.
Age: Early Tertiary (Dagshai Formation)
Indian records: Gupta 1996, p. 104, figs. 1-8, Dagshai
Formation (Early Tertiary) Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Remarks: Gupta (1996) ascribed this species to acritarchs.
However, its fungal affinity, related to VAM fungi, is
unquestionable.
Genus: Ustilago (Persoon 1801) Roussel 1806
MycoBank No.: MB 16391.
Type Species: None designated.
Classification: Basidiomycetes, Ustilaginales.
Species: Ustilago deccanii Chitaley & Yawale 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 111080.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred
Ustilago deccanii Chitaley & Yawale 1978 to Inapertisporites
van der Hammen 1954a [See: Inapertisporites deccanii
(Chitaley & Yawale 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000].
V
Genus: Varmasporites Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
MycoBank No.: MB 28626.
Type Species: Varmasporites tonakkalensis (Varma & Patil
1985) Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000.
Description (Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000, p. 309): Fusiform,
four-celled, inaperturate fungal spores, with a pronounced
constriction at the thick median septum, and with a distinct
ribbed or striate sculpture parallel to the long axis. The two
centrifugal septa may be less strongly developed.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Remarks: Fusiformisporites is two-celled and lacks a strong
median constriction. Kumarisporites is three celled, and its
ribs extend continuously from one pole to the other.
Species: Varmasporites tonakkalensis (Varma & Patil 1985)
Kalgutkar & Jansonius 2000
Fig. 388
MycoBank No.: MB 483572.
Fusiformisporites tonakkalensis Varma & Patil, Geophytology
15(2), p. 153, pl. 1, fig. 11. 1985.
Description (Varma & Patil 1985, p. 153): Tetracellate,
inaperturate, striate, spindle-shaped, brownish fungal spores;
48-52 x 8-10 m. Heteroseptate, central septum 2.5 m thick, 8
m long, constricted, imparting a girdle shape to the spore
and dividing the spore into two equal halves. Each half with
conical outline, pointed ends, septate, septum porate (1 m
wide), with two septal folds, 2.5 m wide. About 5-6
longitudinal striae are seen on each exposed facet of the spore;
striae 1.5 m wide, not continuous, ending up in the median
septum; spore wall 2 m thick.
Fig. 388. Varmasporites tonakkalensis. Bar = 10 m.
Locality: Tonakkal area, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala,
India.
Age: Miocene.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Indian records: Varma & Patil 1985, p. 153, pl. 1, fig. 11,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 179
W
Genus: Warkallisporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 21361.
Type Species: Warkallisporonites denticulatus Ramanujam
& Rao 1978.
Description (Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298): Spores simple,
melanin coloured, multicellular, uniseriate, fusiform,
multiporate. Spores distinctly constricted in the central region.
Denticulate or wedge-shaped thickenings on some septa, pore
slit-like in each septum. Spore wall granular to scabrate.
Classification: Fungi Imperfecti, Phragmosporae.
Remarks: Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) considered this
genus a junior synonym of Multicellaesporites Elsik 1968.
Species: Warkallisporonites denticulatus Ramanujam &
Rao 1978
MycoBank No.: MB 115097.
Indian records: Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 298, pl. 2, figs. 27-
28, Miocene, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 156, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Remarks: Since Warkallisporonites Ramanujam & Rao 1978
is a junior synonym of Multicellaesporites Elsik 1968,
Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) transferred this species to
Multicellaesporites Elsik 1968 [See: Multicellaesporites
denticulatus (Ramanujam & Rao 1978) Kalgutkar & Jansonius
2000].
OTHER RECORDS OF INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI
In addition to the formally named species of Indian fossil
fungi, described earlier, there are several fungal records that
are informally reported. In order to record all available
published fossil fungal remains, informally reported taxa where
no binomials are given have also been listed below.
These entries contain informal name of fungal remain,
its author(s), year of publication, page number(s), reference to
plate(s), figure(s) and text-figure(s), age (in capital letters) and
name of the horizon in parentheses, locality and names of
district and state where it is situated. All the entries are arranged
in alphabetical order. In case a particular species is reported
more than once by the same or different author(s), all its
occurrences are given in chronological order with relevant
details as mentioned above.
Actinopelte. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1, figs. 21-22,
Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Alternaria spp. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 1, figs. 6, 7, text
figs. 10-15, Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu;
Sharma 1976, p. 79, pl. 1, figs. 5-8, Quaternary, Malvan,
Surat District, Gujarat; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16, pl. 1,
fig. 18, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra
Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 118, pl. 4, fig. 63, Early
Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village about 20 km
northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram; Mitra et al. 2000, p. 126,
pl. 1, fig. 3, Siwalik Group (Neogene), Darjeeling Foothills,
Eastern Himalaya; Gupta et al. 2003, p. 210, Palaeocene-
Eocene, Ganga Basin; Mohabey & Samant 2003, p. 230,
pl. 3, fig. 10, Lameta Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura,
Nand-Dongargaon Basin, Maharashtra; Singh &
Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, figs. 1, 4, Neogene, Rampur
Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
Alternariaites sp. Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 250, pl. 2, fig.
22, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District,
West Bengal.
Annellophora mussandae Ellis. Gupta 1970, p. 236, pl. 1, fig.
4, Pleistocene, Sankrail, Howrah District, West Bengal.
Aplanosporites (now Palaeomycites) spp. Singh & Sarkar
1984a, p. 98, pl. 2, fig. 29, Miocene, Ramshahr Well-1,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Dutta et al. 1998, p.
64, pl. 1, fig. 1, Upper Disang and Lower Barail groups
(Late Eocene-Early Oligocene), Kohima District,
Nagaland.
Appendicisporonites sp. Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 40, 42, pl. 1,
fig. 12, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District,
Tamil Nadu.
Ascoma (thyriothecium). Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 266, pl.
2, fig. 12, Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala.
Ascomycetes types. Bajpai & Maheshwari 1988, p. 211, pl. 1,
fig. 1, Basal Barakar Formation (Early Permian), Chitra
mine area, Deogarh Coalfield, Bihar; Bajpai &
Maheshwari 1988, p. 211, pl. 1, figs. 2-2, Sivaganga
Formation (Early Cretaceous), Naicolam, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu.
Ascomycetes, fruiting bodies of. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p.
199, pl. 1, figs. 23, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
cf. Ascomycetes, perithecium of. Ambwani 1983, p. 150-151,
pl. 1, figs. 12-14, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli,
South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Ascospores. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 78, pl. 2, fig. 15,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1,
figs. 12-13, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
cf. Aspergillus sp. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 1, figs. 10-12,
Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu.
Asterinaceae. Ratan & Chandra 1982, p. 262, pl. 1, fig. 6,
surface (bottom) sediments, Arabian Sea.
Asterothyrites spp. Ramanujam & Rao 1973, p. 206-207, pl. 3,
fig. 24, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Varkala, Kerala;
Gupta 1994, p. 250-251, fig. 3, Subathu Formation (Early
Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal
Pradesh.
180 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Bahusandhika Subramanian. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100,
Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and
Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Basidiosporites spp. Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3, figs.
1-2, 4-5, 7-8, 10, 12-13, 15, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 152, pl. 1,
fig. 3, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, pl. 3, fig.
12, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena & Misra 1990,
p. 265, pl. 3, fig. 8, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Callimothallus sp. cf. C. pertusus Dilcher. Kar et al. 1972, p.
151, pl. 2, fig. 21, Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills,
Meghalaya.
Callimothallus spp. Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 263, pl. 1, fig.
4, Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Ramanujam et al. 1991, p. 54, Early Miocene,
Pattanakad Borewell, Alleppey District, Kerala; Samant
2000, p. 12, pl. 1, figs. 4-5, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early
Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Camptomeris Sydow. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100, Kundlu
and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and
Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Cellulasclerotes abnormalis Stach & Pickhardt. Chatterjee
& Chandra 1957, p. 189, Barakar Formation (Permian),
Kurasia Seam, Kurasia Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh.
Chaetomium sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 18,
(Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizwal District,
Mizoram.
Chaetosphaerites. Chitaley 1950, p. 30, pl. 2, fig. 21, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Tertiary), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Cladosporium. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 20,
24-25, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Clasterosporium. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1, figs.
24-25, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Cleistothecium type. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig.
3, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Closely coiled septate conidiospore with a large number of
chambers. Rao 1958, p. 46, pl. 1, fig. 13, Tertiary.
Cookeina. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 78, pl. 2, fig. 20,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1,
figs. 14, 19, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
cf. Coprinus, spore of. Ambwani 1983, p. 151, pl. 1, fig. 15,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu.
Coronasclerotes africanus Neol. Navale 1968, p. 143, pl. 2,
fig. 19, Neyveli lignite (Miocene-Pliocene), Neyveli, South
Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Coronasclerotes australis Stach & Pickhardt. Chatterjee &
Chandra 1957, p. 189, Barakar Formation (Permian),
Kurasia Seam, Kurasia Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh.
Crenasclerotes stachii Pickhardt. Chatterjee & Chandra 1957,
p. 189, Barakar Stage (Permian), Kurasia Seam, Kurasia
Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh.
Cucurbitariaceites sp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 149, pl. 1, fig. 16,
Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Cunninghamella. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, fig. 23,
Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Curvularia. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 2, fig. 5, Quaternary,
Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu; Sharma 1976, p. 79,
pl. 1, fig. 10, Quaternary, Malvan, Surat District, Gujarat;
Gupta et al. 2003, p. 210, Palaeocene-Eocene, Ganga
Basin; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 14,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2,
figs. 13-14, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Deuteromycetaceae (Spores). Chatterjee & Ghosh 1962, p.
148, figs. 8, 11-12, 14, 16, Eocene, Dharangiri area, Garo
Hills, Meghalaya.
Deuteromycetes types. Bajpai & Maheshwari 1988, p. 211, pl.
1, figs. 4-6, Sivaganga Formation (Early Cretaceous),
Naicolam, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu.
Dicellaesporites spp. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.15,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238, 242, pl. 1,
fig. 7, pl. 3, fig. 22, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Singh et al. 1986, p. 98, pl. 2,
figs. 18, 23, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and
Cachar District, Assam; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p. 59, pl. 6,
fig. 23, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan
area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Rajendran et
al. 1989, p. 41, 42, 43, 44, Miocene, Tonakkal, Kundra,
Padappakkara, Edavai, Paravur, Kannur, Kerala; Banerjee
& Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 10, Bhuban, Bokabil and
Tipam Sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline
near Kolasib, Aizwal District, Mizoram; Hait & Banerjee
1994, p. 119, pl. 4, figs. 71-74, Early Miocene, near
Suangpuilawn village about 20 km northeast of Aizawl,
Mizoram; Kar et al. 1994, p. 187, Tertiary, subsurface
sediments in Upper Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52,
pl. 1, fig. 4, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Misra et al. 1996, p.
95, Baghmara Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-Dalu
Road Section along Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, pl. 3, fig. 8, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road
near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya;
Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery, Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields,
Dibrugarh District, Assam; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 181
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Trivedi & Saxena
2000, p. 273, Kopili Formation (Late Eocene), Umrongso-
Haflong Road near Umrongso, North Cachar Hills
District, Assam; Mandaokar 2005, p. 55, Tikak Parbat
Formation (Late Oligocene), Ledo Colliery, Makum
Coalfield, Assam; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig.
12, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Dictyoarthrinium. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs.
27-28, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Dictyosporites sp. Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 56, pl. 1, fig. 14,
Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22,
Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean.
Dictyosporium sp. Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15-16, pl. 1, fig.
13, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh
and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu.
Dictyosporium spore types. Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p.
130, pl. 2, fig. 29, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur
District, Kerala; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 154, pl. 1, figs. 23-
24, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 78, pl. 2, fig.
19, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Didymoporisporonites spp. Varma & Patil 1985, p. 152, pl. 1,
fig. 4, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, Bhuban
and Bokabil formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near
Kolasib, Aizwal District, Mizoram; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Diplodia Type. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 78, pl. 2, fig. 18,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Diporicellaesporites spp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 152, pl. 2, fig. 27,
Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Venkatachala & Rawat 1972, p. 328, pl. 5, fig. 21,
Palaeocene-Eocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Jain et
al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, fig. 79, Barmer Sandstone
(Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer District,
Rajasthan; Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297, pl. 2, figs. 21,
26, Miocene, Kerala; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 111, pl. 3, figs.
41, Neogene, around Quilon and Varkala, Kerala; Prasad
& Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.10, Holocene, Khowai and
Sonai valleys, West Tripura District, Tripura; Koshal &
Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3, fig. 32, Palaeocene-Early Eocene,
North Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Pathak & Banerjee 1984,
p. 250, pl. 2, figs. 20-21, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene),
Darjeeling District, West Bengal; Singh et al. 1985, p. 53,
pl. 3, fig. 54, Barail Group (Oligocene), Assam and
Meghalaya; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 154, pl. 1, fig. 18,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 101, pl. 2, figs. 25-
26, Lubha and Umkiang Members, Bhuban Formation
(Early Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam;
Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 43, Miocene, Edavai, Kerala;
Tripathi 1989, p. 74, pl. 2, fig. 4, Therria Formation
(Palaeocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills
District, Meghalaya; cf. Kar 1990a, p. 178, Surma and
Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia
Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura;
Kar 1990b, p. 233, Laisong Formation (Early Oligocene),
Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam; Kumar 1990, p.
24-25, pl. 1, fig. 20, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine
section near Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam
district, Kerala; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, pl. 3, fig. 19,
Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Saxena & Khare 1992,
p. 39, pl. 1, fig. 6, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District,
Tamil Nadu; Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 62, pl. 1, fig. 19,
Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22,
Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p.
26, fig. 2.3, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 3, fig. 10, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 5,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Diporisporites spp. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.13,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238, 242, pl. 1,
figs. 5, 8, pl. 3, figs. 16, 20, 35, Palaeocene-Early Eocene,
North Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Singh et al. 1986, p. 100,
pl. 1, fig. 16, Dona Member, Bhuban Formation (Early
Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Rajendran et al.
1989, p. 42, Miocene, Varkala, Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p.
74, pl. 3, fig. 11, Therria Formation (Palaeocene), Jowai-
Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya;
Kar & Bhattacharya 1992, p. 252, Early Eocene, Gujra
Dam Section and Akri lignite, Kutch District, Gujarat;
Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 118, pl. 4, figs. 61-62, Early
Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village about 20 km
northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram; Bera & Banerjee 1995, p.
150, Bengal lignite (Middle-Late Eocene), Panagarh-
Domra Sector, Burdwan District, West Bengal; Rao 1995,
p. 233, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala;
Misra et al. 1996, p. 95, Baghmara Formation (Early
Miocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section along Bugi River,
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Rao & Nair 1998, p. 52, Miocene,
Kannanellur-Kundra Road area, Kollam district, Kerala;
Gupta et al. 2003, p. 210, Palaeocene-Eocene, Ganga
Basin; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 9, Neogene,
182 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District,
Jharkhand.
Dyadosporites spp. Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 119, pl. 4, fig. 66,
Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village about 20 km
northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram; Trivedi & Saxena 2000, p.
273, pl. 1, fig. 15, Kopili Formation Late Eocene),
Umrongso-Haflong Road near Umrongso, North Cachar
Hills District, Assam.
Dyadosporonites (now Dyadosporites) spp. Prasad & Ramesh
1983, p. 255, figs. 2.6, 14, Holocene, Khowai and Sonai
valleys, West Tripura District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal
1984, p. 242, pl. 3, figs. 23, 33, Palaeocene-Early Eocene,
North Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Singh et al. 1986, p. 100,
pl. 1, fig. 14, Jenam Formation (Middle Oligocene),
Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Mallesham et
al. 1989, p. 18, pl. 1, fig. 7, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna
Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery
Basin, Tamil Nadu; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, pl. 2,
figs. 4, 11, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Kumar &
Takahashi 1991, p. 609, pl. 17, fig. 10, Bokabil Formation
(Middle Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam;
Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 11, Bhuban and
Bokabil formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near
Kolasib, Aizwal District, Mizoram; Kumar 1994, p. 89, pl.
41, fig. 10, Bokabil Formation (Middle Miocene), Silchar-
Haflong Road Section, Assam; Kumaran et al. 1995, p.
1024, fig. 3h, Warkalli Formation (Miocene), Bharathi and
Kundra Clay Mines, Kerala; Rao 1995, p. 234, pl. 1, fig. 4,
Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala; Chandra
and Kumar 1998, p. 62, pl. 1, fig. 9, Late Tertiary, Site 218,
Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean; Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 2, fig. 1, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1, figs. 7-
8, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Entophlyctis lobata Willoughby & Townley. Gupta 1970, p.
236, pl. 1, figs. 5, 6, Pleistocene, Sankrail, Howrah District,
West Bengal.
Entophlyctis. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, fig. 5, Late
Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Eoglobella sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib,
Aizwal District, Mizoram.
Exesisporites spp. Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 21,
Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and
Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Kumar 1990,
p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 3, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine
section near Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam
district, Kerala; Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 34,
Middle Bhuban Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Hait & Banerjee 1994,
p. 119, pl. 4, fig. 75, Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn
village about 20 km northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram.
Foveoletisporonites. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.3,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1,
figs. 9-10, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Frasnacritetrus spp. Saxena et al. 1984, p. 189, pl. 2, fig. 38,
Lower Siwalik (Middle-Late Miocene), Bhakra-Nangal
Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena &
Sarkar 1986, p. 216-221, pl. 1, figs. 6-7, pl. 2, figs. 1-8, text-
figs. 4-8, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Jhimroti-Banethi
Section, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh, Lower
Siwalik (Middle-Late Miocene), Bhakra -Nangal Section,
Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh and Ramshahr Well
no.1, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, Upper Siwalik
(Plio-Pleistocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Section, Hoshiarpur
District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal Pradesh,
Gagret-Bharwain Section, Una District, Himachal
Pradesh; Singh et al. 1986, p. 102, pl. 2, fig. 9, Barail and
Surma Groups (Oligocene-Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and
Cachar District, Assam; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p. 61, pl. 5,
fig. 21, pl. 6, fig. 18, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-
Bagthan area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena
& Khare 1992, p. 42, pl. 1, fig. 11, Late Palaeocene-Middle
Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu; Kumar 1994, p. 42, 48, 88, 97, pl. 21,
fig. 8, pl. 41, fig. 6, Jenam, Renji, Bokabil and Dupitila
formations (Middle-Late Oligocene, Middle Miocene and
Plio-Pleistocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam;
Rao 1995, p. 234, pl. 1, fig. 10, Tertiary, Alleppey and
Kannur districts, Kerala; Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 60,
pl. 1, fig. 13, pl. 3, fig. 10, Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea
Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean; Trivedi
& Saxena 2000, p. 273, pl. 1, fig. 13, Kopili Formation
(Late Eocene), Umrongso-Haflong Road near Umrongso,
North Cachar Hills District, Assam; Rao & Patnaik 2001,
p. 272, pl. 3, figs. 7-8, Pinjor Formation (Late Pliocene),
Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana; Rao 2004, p. 128, pl. 3, fig.
11, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Fungal/algal remain type 3. Ambwani 1983, p. 151, pl. 1, fig.
19, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Fungal bodies. Pareek 1958, p. 214. pl. 40, figs. 1-5, Permian,
Talchir Coalfield, Orissa; Tripathi 1995, p. 48, pl. 1, fig.
20, Palaeocene-Eocene, subsurface sediments near
Kapurdi, Barmer District, Rajasthan; Rao & Nair 1998, p.
52, pl. 1, fig. 25, Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road area,
Kollam district, Kerala.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 183
Fungal Forma A. Kumar 1994, p. 48, pl. 22, fig. 12, Renji
Formation (Late Oligocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam.
Fungal Fruiting Body Types. Ratan & Chandra 1982, p. 263,
pl. 1, fig. 12, surface (bottom) sediments, Arabian Sea;
Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 2, fig. 9, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra;
Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 7, Neogene,
Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District,
Jharkhand.
Fungal hypha types. Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 51, pl. 2, fig. 33,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Kumar 1994, p. 89, pl. 41, fig.
9, Bokabil Formation (Middle Miocene), Silchar-Haflong
Road Section, Assam; Samant & Tapaswi 2000, p. 27,
fig. 2.17, Cambay Shale (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 2, figs. 13-14, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Fungal Incertae-sedis type 1. Kar et al. 1972, p. 152, pl. 2, fig.
29, Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
Fungal Polyad. Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 119, pl. 4, fig. 77,
Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village about 20 km
northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram.
Fungal remain types. Ambwani 1982, p. 30, pl. 1, figs. 14-15,
Deccan Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-
Bommuru near Rajahmundry, East Godavari District,
Andhra Pradesh; Ambwani 1983, p. 151, pl. 1, figs. 17-18,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu; Kumar 1994, p. 55, pl. 27, fig. 4, Lower Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam; Mandal 1997, p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 32, Barail
Group (Late Eocene), Mariani-Mokokchung Road,
Mokokchung District, Nagaland.
Fungal Sporangium. Tripathi et al. 1999, p. 112, pl. 1, figs. 5-
7, Eocene, Barsinghsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Fungal spores Sahni & Rao 1943, p. 48, pl. 2, figs. 14-19, pl. 3,
figs. 20, 21, text figs. 7-9, Deccan Intertrappean Series
(Early Tertiary), Sausar, Chhindwara District, Madhya
Pradesh; Sitholey et al. 1953, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 11-13,
Sirbu Shale (Precambrian), east of Saia, 20 km west of
Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh; Ganju 1956, p. 34, pl. 1, figs.
1-7, ?Early Eocene, Jammu area, Jammu and Kashmir;
Das 1961, p. 89, pl. 2, figs. 18, 19, Holocene, Sundarbans,
West Bengal; Salujha et al. 1967, p. 58, pl. 2, fig. 36, Early
Palaeozoic, Ujhani Well 2, Badaun District, Uttar
Pradesh; Navale 1968, p. 142, pl. 2, figs. 9, 10, Neyveli
lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil
Nadu; Dutta & Ghosh 1970, p. 84 Neolithic, Barudih,
Singhbhum District, Bihar; Jain & Gupta1970, p. 181, pl.
1, figs. 22-24, Quilon Beds (Early Miocene), Kollam,
Kerala; Nandi & Bandyopadhyay 1970, p. 240, Middle
Siwalik (Miocene), Bhed Khad between Ghasoti and
Badahr, Himachal Pradesh; Salujha et al. 1972, p. 289, pl.
3, fig. 107, Palaeocene, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Venkatachala & Rawat 1973, p. 258, pl. 1, fig. 11,
Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Salujha
et al. 1973, p. 112, Bhuban and Bokabil Subgroups
(Miocene), South Shillong Plateau, Meghalaya; Salujha
et al. 1974, p. 281, pl. 3, figs. 100-101, Palaeogene, Khasi
and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya; Salujha et al. 1979, p. 92,
pl. 4, fig. 113, Miocene, Gojalia Anticline, South Tripura
District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3, fig.
27, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Salujha & Kindra 1986, p. 246, pl. 3, fig. 81,
Oligocene-Miocene, Silchar-Haflong Road Traverse,
Cachar District, Assam; Kumar & Takahashi 1991, p. 610,
pl. 6, fig. 5, pl. 11, fig. 2, pl. 17, fig. 4, Renji, Bhuban and
Bokabil formations (Late Oligocene-Miocene), Silchar-
Haflong Road Section, Assam; Salujha et al. 1991, p. 67,
pl. 2, fig. 71, Neogene, Adamtila Well-A, Cachar District,
Assam; Kumar 1994, p. 42, 55, 65, 76, 88, pl. 21, fig. 6, pl.
24, fig. 17, pl. 26, fig. 5, pl. 27, figs. 9, 16, 22, 24, pl. 30, figs.
13, 16, pl. 31, fig. 4, pl. 32, fig. 7, pl. 36, fig. 19, pl. 43, fig.
10, Jenam and Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Middle
Oligocene-Miocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section,
Assam; Mehrotra et al. 2002, p. pl. 1, fig. 10, Late Eocene,
Narsapur area, Krishna-Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh;
Mohabey & Samant 2003, p. 230, pl. 3, fig. 7, Lameta
Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura, Nand-Dongargaon
Basin, Maharashtra.
Fungal Spores, Host cuticle with. Tripathi et al. 1999, p. 114,
pl. 1, figs. 3-4, Eocene, Barsinghsar, Bikaner District,
Rajasthan.
Fungal Spore, Rod shaped. Tripathi et al. 1999, p. 112, pl. 2,
fig. 2, Eocene, Barsinghsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Fungal Spore, Spindle shaped. Tripathi et al. 1999, p. 112, pl.
2, fig. 1, Eocene, Barsinghsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Fungal Spore Tetrad. Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, pl. 3, fig. 21,
Boldamgiri Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-
Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya.
Fungal spores types. Chitaley & Patel 1972, p. 213, text-fig.
28, Deccan Intertrappean Series (Eocene), Mohgaon
Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh; Jain et al.
1973, p. 162, pl. 2, fig. 75, Barmer Sandstone (Palaeocene),
near Barmer Hill, Barmer District, Rajasthan; Venkatachala
& Rawat 1973, p. 258, pl. 6, fig. 14, Oligocene-Miocene,
Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 51,
pl. 2, fig. 25, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena et al. 1988,
p. 278, pl. 2, fig. 25, Tatrot Formation (Pliocene), Masol-
Kiratpur Section, Ambala District, Haryana; Banerjee &
Nandi 1992, p. 87, pl. 1, fig. 24, Bhuban, Bokabil and
Tipam Sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline
near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Samant &
184 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Phadtare 1997, p. 69, pl. 15, fig. 10, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Rao &
Patnaik 2001, p. 272, pl. 2, fig. 18, Pinjor Formation (Late
Pliocene), Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana; Rao & Patnaik
2001, p. 274, pl. 2, fig. 19, Pinjor Formation (Late Pliocene),
Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana; Rao 2004, p. 128, 130, pl. 2,
figs. 17-18, pl. 3, fig. 13, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra;
Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, 76, 78, pl. 1, fig. 10, pl. 2,
figs. 2, 7, 9, 16, 21, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr
Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand; Mandaokar et al. 2008,
p. 199, 200, pl. 1, figs. 15-20, pl. 2, figs. 19, 26, Late
Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Fungal teleutospores. Pareek 1962, p. 827, pl. 42, figs. 9, 11-
12, Palana Lignite (Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District,
Rajasthan.
Fungal Tetrad Spore. Kumar & Takahashi 1991, p. 610, pl. 8,
fig. 10, Lower Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Silchar-
Haflong Road Section, Assam.
Fungal types. Venkatachala & Rawat 1973, p. 258-259, pl. 6,
figs. 15-16, Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 112, pl. 2, fig. 28, pl. 3, fig. 48,
Neogene, around Quilon and Varkala, Kerala; Barlinge
& Paradkar 1980, p. 227-237, pl. 1, figs. 1-3, 5, 7-10, 12-14,
16-21, text-figs. 1-12, 14-26, 28, 33-36, 39-46, Deccan
Intertrappean Beds (Eocene), Nanded District,
Maharashtra; Paradkar & Barlinge 1980, p. 244-251, pl. 1,
figs. 5, 9-12, 14-18, text-figs. 1-12, 15a-b, 16a-b, 18, 22a-b,
Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Eocene), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh; Prasad 1986, p.
373-383, pl. 3, figs. 1-21, pl. 4, figs. 1-18, pl. 5, figs. 1-6, pl.
6, figs. 1-6, Holocene, Tripura; Sarkar & Singh 1988, p.
61, pl. 5, figs. 8, 16, Subathu Formation (Eocene), Banethi-
Bagthan area, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Fungi-conidia. Purekar 1962, p. 420, fig. 1, Lower Karewas
(Pleistocene), Ningal Nala, Kashmir.
Fusiformisporites spp. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 300, pl. 3,
figs. 43-45, Miocene, Kerala; Salujha et al. 1979, p. 91-92,
pl. 4, fig. 111, Miocene, Gojalia Anticline, South Tripura
District, Tripura; Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.11,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3,
figs. 28-29, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay
Basin, Gujarat; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 153, pl. 1, fig. 10,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 102, pl. 2, fig. 8,
Laisong Formation (Oligocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District,
Assam; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, pl. 2, fig. 12,
Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi Section,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Banerjee & Nandi
1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 5, Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam
Sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Saxena & Khare 1992,
p. 38, pl. 1, fig. 8, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District,
Tamil Nadu; Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 32,
Middle Bhuban Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Hait & Banerjee 1994,
p. 119, pl. 4, fig. 65, Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn
village about 20 km northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram; Misra
et al. 1996, p. 95, Baghmara Formation (Early Miocene),
Tura-Dalu Road Section along Bugi River, Garo Hills,
Meghalaya; Chakraborty 2004, p. 116, pl. 1, fig. 13,
Lakadong Sandstone (Late Palaeocene), around
Bhalukurung, North Cachar Hills, Assam.
Gelasinospora spp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 17,
Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 119, pl. 4, figs. 68-69,
77-78, Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village about
20 km northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram; Gupta et al. 2003, p.
210, Palaeocene-Eocene, Ganga Basin; Mandaokar 2004,
p. 146, Upper Bhuban Formation (Late Miocene),
Champhai area, Eastern Mizo Hills, Mizoram.
Globosasclerotes aegiranus Stach & Pickhardt. Chatterjee
& Chandra 1957, p. 189, Barakar Formation (Permian),
Kurasia Seam, Kurasia Coalfield, Madhya Pradesh;
Pareek 1962, p. 828, pl. 42, figs. 3-6, Palana Lignite
(Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
cf. Globosasclerotes Pareek 1962, p. 828, pl. 42, figs. 3-6,
Palana Lignite (Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District,
Rajasthan.
Granateleutosporites sp. Salujha et al. 1969, p. 38, pl. 4, fig.
45, Subathu Formation (Early Eocene), Shimla Hills,
Himachal Pradesh.
Hadrotrichum Fuckel. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100, Kundlu
and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and
Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Helicoma. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 3-4, Late
Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Helminthosporium spp. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 74, pl. 1, figs.
1-3, text figs. 1-5, Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil
Nadu; Sharma 1976, p. 79, pl. 1, fig. 9, Quaternary, Malvan,
Surat District, Gujarat; Ambwani 1983, p. 151, pl. 1, fig.
16, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu; Mohabey & Samant 2003, p. 230,
pl. 3, fig. 9, Lameta Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura,
Nand-Dongargaon Basin, Maharashtra; Singh &
Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 6, Neogene, Rampur Nala,
Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
Herpotrichiella. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1, figs. 11,
18, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Heterosporium Klotzsch ex Cooke. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p.
100, Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu
and Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 185
Hormiscium Kunze ex Wallr./Torula Pres. ex Fr. Sharma
1976, p. 80, pl. 1, fig. 12, Quaternary, Malvan, Surat
District, Gujarat.
Hypha types. Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238, 242, pl. 1, fig. 4, pl.
3, fig. 9, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 155, pl. 1, fig. 30, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
Hyphomycetous conidia. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 99, pl. 1,
figs. 4-5, Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene),
Kundlu and Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Hyphopodia. Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216, Middle Bhuban
Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near Kolasib, Aizawl
District, Mizoram.
Hypopodiate mycelium. Samant & Phadtare 1997, p. 105, pl.
14, fig. 20, Tarkeshwar Formation (Early Eocene),
Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Hypopodium Type. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 16,
Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene), Rengte
Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Hypoxylonites spp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 1,
Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 38, pl. 1, figs. 2, 14,
Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram
Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Banerjee &
Nandi 1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 31, Middle Bhuban
Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near Kolasib, Aizawl
District, Mizoram.
Inapertisporites spp. Kar & Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, fig. 24,
Matanomadh Formation (Palaeocene), Matanomadh,
Kutch District, Gujarat; Jain & Kar 1979, p. 109-110, pl. 3,
fig. 38, Neogene, around Quilon and Varkala, Kerala;
Ambwani 1982, p. 29-30, pl. 1, figs. 5-9, Deccan
Intertrappean Series (Early Eocene), Kotta-Bommuru
near Rajahmundry, East Godavari District, Andhra
Pradesh; Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.16,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 248, pl. 1,
fig. 2, Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District,
West Bengal; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 152, pl. 1, fig. 1,
Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 97, pl. 2, fig. 3, Dona
Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene), Sonapur-
Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and
Cachar District, Assam; Saxena et al. 1988, p. 276-277, pl.
2, fig. 21, Pinjor Formation (Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur
Section, Ambala District, Haryana; Kumar 1990, p. 15, pl.
1, fig. 17, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine section near
Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam district,
Kerala; Saxena & Bhattacharyya 1990, p. 113, pl. 1, fig.
20, Dharmsala Group (Oligocene-Early Miocene), Churan
Khad Section near Dharmsala, Kangra District, Himachal
Pradesh; Kumar & Takahashi 1991, p. 611, pl. 18, fig. 9,
Bokabil Formation (Middle Miocene), Silchar-Haflong
Road Section, Assam; Kumar 1994, p. 88, pl. 41, fig. 11,
Bokabil Formation (Middle Miocene), Silchar-Haflong
Road Section, Assam; Singh & Sarkar 1994, p. 52, pl. 1,
fig. 20, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Kasauli, Solan
District, Himachal Pradesh; Rao 1995, p. 234, pl. 1, figs.
6, 8, Tertiary, Alleppey and Kannur districts, Kerala;
Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, pl. 3, fig. 16, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road
near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya;
Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 1, fig. 11, (Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Indeterminate fungal hyphae Salujha et al. 1967, p. 58, pl. 2,
fig. 37, Early Palaeozoic, Ujhani Well 2, Badaun District,
Uttar Pradesh.
Involutisporonites spp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 152, pl. 2, fig. 28,
Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Varma & Patil 1985, p. 155, pl. 1, fig. 26, Miocene, Tonakkal
clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala; Rao
2004, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 14, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Isthmospora sp. Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 120-121, pl.
1, fig. 2, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur District, Kerala.
Isthmospora sp., parasitic mycelium of. Phadtare & Kulkarni
1984, p. 517, pl. 1, fig. 2, Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene), well
at Golap on Ratnagiri-Pawas Road, Ratnagiri District,
Maharashtra.
Kutchiathyrites spp. Varma 1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 10, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 3, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay
area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Saxena & Khare 1992,
p. 39, pl. 1, fig. 4, Late Palaeocene-Middle Eocene,
Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District,
Tamil Nadu; Rao et al. 1995, p. 374, fig. 3, Early Miocene,
Borewell at Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam District,
Kerala; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1, figs. 16017,
Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Lacrimasporonites spp. Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 295, pl. 2,
fig. 32, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road
Section, Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District,
Himachal Pradesh; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3,
fig. 18, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Singh et al. 1986, p. 100, pl. 1, fig. 15, (Laisong
Formation (Early Oligocene),), Sonapur-Badarpur Road
Section, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and Cachar District,
Assam; Saxena & Khare 1992, p. 38-39, pl. 1, fig. 13, Late
Palaeocene-Middle Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram
Well 12, Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu; Hait &
Banerjee 1994, p. 118, pl. 4, fig. 64, Early Miocene, near
Suangpuilawn village about 20 km northeast of Aizawl,
Mizoram; Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, pl. 1, fig. 23, Tikak
186 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery, Dilli-
Jeypore Coalfields, Dibrugarh District, Assam.
Lagenidialen fungus. Lakhanpal et al. 1967, p. 210, fig. 1,
Deccan Intertrappean Series (Early Tertiary), Mohgaon
Kalan, Chhnidwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Leptosphaeria. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 1-2,
Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Lirasporis spp. Jain & Kar 1979, p. 108, pl. 3, fig. 39, Neogene,
around Quilon and Varkala, Kerala; Raha et al. 1987, p.
213, Early Miocene, Ambalapuzha borehole, Kerala;
Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265, pl. 3, fig. 18, Ratnagiri Beds
(Neogene), Amberiwadi Section, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Mediaverrunites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig.
20, Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram.
Meliola spp. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 293-294, pl. 1, figs. 1-
4, Miocene, Kerala; Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p. 121-
122, pl. 1, figs. 4-5, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur
District, Kerala; Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.9,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 154-155, pl. 1, fig.
25, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Varma 1987, p. 167, pl. 1, fig. 4, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 17, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay
area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Banerjee & Nandi
1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 21, Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam
sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Rao et al. 1995, p.
374, Early Miocene, Borewell at Kulasekharamangalam,
Kottayam District, Kerala; Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46,
Boldamgiri Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-
Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills
District, Meghalaya; Mohabey & Samant 2003, p. 230,
pl. 3, fig. 8, Lameta Formation (Maastrichtian), Pisdura,
Nand-Dongargaon Basin, Maharashtra; Kumar et al.
2004, p. 157, pl. 1, fig. 15, Neogene and Pleistocene, Site
218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian
Ocean; Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 2, fig. 2, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 13,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Meliola sp., parasitic mycelium of. Phadtare & Kulkarni 1984,
p. 517, pl. 1, fig. 2, Ratnagiri Beds (Miocene), well at
Golap on Ratnagiri-Pawas Road, Ratnagiri District,
Maharashtra.
Meliolinites spp. Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 56, Late Tertiary,
Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan,
Indian Ocean; Mitra et al. 2000, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 2, Siwalik
Group (Neogene), Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern
Himalaya.
Microthallites spp. Reddy et al. 1982, p. 115, pl. 1, fig. 12,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu; Tripathi 1989, p. 73, pl. 3, fig. 1, Kopili
Formation (Late Eocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.
Microthyriaceae. Jacob & Jacob 1950, p. 572, Cuddalore
Series (Miocene-Pliocene), South Arcot District, Tamil
Nadu; Banerjee & Misra 1968, p. 100, pl. 4, fig. 66, Late
Cretaceous, Karaikal Well 2, Pondicherry; Koshal 1980,
p. 687, pl. 3, fig. 75, Eocene, Dabka, Gujarat; Ratan &
Chandra 1982, p. 260, pl. 1, figs. 1-5, surface (bottom)
sediments, Arabian Sea; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238,
pl. 1, fig. 30, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay
Basin, Gujarat; Phadtare et al. 1994, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. Q,
Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Haripur Khol, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh.
Microthyriaceous discs. Salujha et al. 1973, p. 113, Bhuban
and Bokabil Subgroups (Miocene), South Shillong
Plateau, Meghalaya; Venkatachala & Sharma 1984, p.
449, Miocene, Narsapur Well no. 1, West Godavari
District, Andhra Pradesh.
Microthyriaceae germling. Samant 2000, p. 12, pl. 1, fig. 28,
Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near
Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Microthyriaceae Incertae-sedis. Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p.
102, pl. 2, figs. 8-9, Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene),
Kerala.
Microthyriaceous ascomata. Jain & Dutta 1978, p. 108, pl. 2,
fig. 22, Early Tertiary, Lekabali-Along Road Section, Siang
District, Arunachal Pradesh.
Microthyriaceous Ascostromata. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 99,
pl. 1, fig. 16, Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene),
Kundlu and Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Microthyriaceous Fruit Body. Hait & Banerjee 1994, p. 119,
pl. 4, fig. 70, Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn village
about 20 km northeast of Aizawl, Mizoram.
Microthyriaceous Fruit Body, Young. Rao et al. 1995, p. 373,
fig. 28, Early Miocene, Borewell at
Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam District, Kerala.
Microthyriaceous fungi types 1-2. Jain & Kar 1979, p. 109, pl.
1, figs. 8-9, Neogene, around Quilon and Varkala, Kerala.
Microthyriaceous fungi, germling of. Ramanujam & Rao
1973, p. 204, pl. 1, figs. 1-3, Warkalli Formation (Miocene),
Varkala, Kerala.
Microthyriaceous germlings. Reddy et al. 1982, p. 113, pl. 1,
figs. 4-7, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu; Misra et al. 1996, p. 95, Baghmara
Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-Dalu Road Section
along Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Samant &
Phadtare 1997, p. 105, pl. 14, fig. 19, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Mitra
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 187
et al. 2000, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 8, Siwalik Group (Neogene),
Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern Himalaya.
Microthyriaceous taxon. Gupta 1994, p. 256-257, fig. 11,
Subathu Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Microthyriacites spp. Jain & Gupta 1970, p. 181, pl. 1, fig. 11,
Quilon Beds (Early Miocene), Kollam, Kerala; Banerjee
& Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 15, Bhuban, Bokabil and
Tipam sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline
near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Banerjee & Nandi
1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 21, Middle Bhuban Formation
(Early-Middle Miocene), near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Gupta 1994, p. 255-256, figs. 9-10, Subathu
Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Rao 2004, p. 124, pl. 2, fig. 7,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Singh & Chauhan
2008, p. 74, pl. 1, fig. 1, Neogene, Rampur Nala,
Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
Microthyrium sp. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 74, pl. 1, fig. 2,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Microthyrium type, fruiting body of. Singh & Chauhan 2008,
p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 4, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr
Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
Monoporate spore type. Saxena & Singh 1982a, p. 295, pl. 2,
fig. 31, Upper Siwalik (Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road
Section, Hoshiarpur District, Punjab and Una District,
Himachal Pradesh.
Monoporisporites spp. Venkatachala & Rawat 1972, p. 327,
pl. 5, fig. 16, Palaeocene-Eocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil
Nadu; Jain et al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, figs. 72-73, 76, Barmer
Sandstone (Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer
District, Rajasthan; Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig.
2.7, Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 242, pl. 3,
figs. 3, 6, 11, 14, 17, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North
Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 187, pl. 2,
fig. 27, Lower-Middle Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Early
Pliocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Rajendran et al. 1989, p. 42, Miocene,
Padappakkara, Kerala; Kar 1990a, p. 178, Surma and
Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia
Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura;
Kar 1990b, p. 233, 236, Laisong and Jenam formations
(Early-Middle Oligocene), Silchar-Haflong Road Section,
Assam; Kar & Bhattacharya 1992, p. 258, pl. 1, fig. 21,
Early Eocene, Gujra Dam Section and Akri lignite, Kutch
District, Gujarat; Rao 1995, p. 233, Tertiary, Alleppey and
Kannur districts, Kerala; Misra et al. 1996, p. 95,
Baghmara Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-Dalu Road
Section along Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Mandaokar 2000b, p. 181, Tikak Parbat Formation (Late
Oligocene), Jeypore Colliery, Dilli-Jeypore Coalfields,
Dibrugarh District, Assam; Mandaokar 2005, p. 55, Tikak
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Ledo Colliery,
Makum Coalfield, Assam.
cf. Mucor. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 9, text fig. 17,
Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu.
Multicellaesporites spp. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296-297,
pl. 1, figs. 16, 20, Miocene, Kerala; Singh & Saxena 1980,
p. 278, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain
Road Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Prasad &
Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.2, Holocene, Khowai and Sonai
valleys, West Tripura District, Tripura; Singh & Saxena
1981, p. 177, pl. 1, fig. 8, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene),
Gagret-Bharwain Road Section, Una District, Himachal
Pradesh; Ambwani 1983, p. 149, pl. 1, fig. 6, Neyveli lignite
(Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238, 242, pl. 1, fig. 6, pl. 3, figs.
24-26, Palaeocene-Early Eocene, North Cambay Basin,
Gujarat; Pathak & Banerjee 1984, p. 249, pl. 2, figs. 15-16,
Geabdat Sandstone (Neogene), Darjeeling District, West
Bengal; Saxena et al. 1984, p. 186, pl. 2, figs. 30-32, Lower-
Middle Siwalik (Middle Miocene-Early Pliocene),
Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur District, Himachal
Pradesh; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 154, pl. 1, fig. 21, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 98, 100, pl. 2, figs. 5, 17, 19,
21, Dona Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene),
Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Sarkar & Singh
1988, p. 59-60, pl. 4, fig. 22, pl. 5, fig. 3, Subathu Formation
(Eocene), Banethi-Bagthan area, Sirmaur District,
Himachal Pradesh; Kar 1990a, p. 178, Surma and Tipam
groups (Miocene), Rokhia Borehole No. 1, Gojalia
Borehole No. 1 and Baramura Borehole No. 2, Tripura;
Kar 1990b, p. 236, Jenam Formation (Middle Oligocene),
Silchar-Haflong Road Section, Assam; Banerjee & Nandi
1992, p. 84, 87, pl. 1, figs. 8, 23, Bhuban, Bokabil and
Tipam Sandstone formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline
near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram; Saxena & Khare
1992, p. 38, pl. 1, figs. 9-10, Late Palaeocene-Middle
Eocene, Jayamkondacholapuram Well 12, Tiruchirapalli
District, Tamil Nadu; Singh & Sarkar 1992, p. 185,
Subathu Formation (? Late Palaeocene-Eocene), Garkhal,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Hait & Banerjee 1994,
p. 119, pl. 4, fig. 67, Early Miocene, near Suangpuilawn
village about 20 km north-east of Aizawl, Mizoram; Sarkar
et al. 1994, p. 201, Middle Siwalik (Late Miocene), Bagh
Rao, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand; Singh & Sarkar
1994, p. 52, pl. 1, fig. 24, Kasauli Formation (Early
Miocene), Kasauli, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh;
Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, pl. 3, fig. 12, Boldamgiri
Formation (Early Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road
near Boldamgiri, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya;
188 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Sarkar 1997, p. 107, pl. 2, fig. 12, Subathu Formation
(Eocene), 20 km southeast of Bilaspur on Shimla-Bilaspur
Highway, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh; Rao &
Nair 1998, p. 52, Miocene, Kannanellur-Kundra Road area,
Kollam district, Kerala; Samant 2000, p. 15, pl. 1, fig. 15,
Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near
Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Sarkar & Prasad
2000a, p. 171, Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian-Middle
Lutetian), Koshalia Nala Section near Koti, Shimla Hills,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Sarkar & Prasad 2000b,
p. 147, Subathu Formation (Late Ypresian-Middle
Lutetian), west bank of Ghaggar river near Kharak village,
Morni Hills, Haryana; Rao 2004, p. 126, pl. 2, fig. 5, pl. 3,
fig. 4, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Singh & Chauhan
2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 12, Neogene, Rampur Nala,
Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
Nigrospora. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 11,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2,
figs. 11-12, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Notothyrites (now Trichothyrites) spp. Kar 1979, p. 32, pl. 3,
fig. 48, Maniyara Fort Formation (Oligocene), Barkhana
Nala Cutting near Sarangwara, Kutch District, Gujarat;
Raha et al. 1987, p. 213, Early Miocene, Ambalapuzha
borehole, Kerala; Gupta 1994, p. 248, 250, figs. 1-2,
Subathu Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Kumar et al. 2001, p.
244, Barail Group (Oligocene), Tinali Well-7, Upper Assam;
Mandal et al. 2003, p. 104, Baratang Formation (Eocene),
Baratang Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Kar &
Saxena 1976, p. 10, pl. 3, fig. 22, Matanomadh Formation
(Palaeocene), Matanomadh, Kutch District, Gujarat.
Ornasporonites. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.8,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 199, pl. 1,
figs. 5-6, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Palaeoamphisphaerella spp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84,
pl. 1, fig. 7, Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene),
Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram;
Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 27, Middle
Bhuban Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Palaeocirrenalia spp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, 87, pl. 1,
figs. 13, 22, Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene),
Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram;
Rao 2004, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 13, Sindhudurg Formation
(Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.
Papulosporonites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, Bhuban
Formation (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib,
Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Paramicrothallites (now Asterothyrites) spp. Reddy et al.
1982, p. 115, pl. 1, fig. 13, Neyveli lignite (Miocene),
Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu; Tripathi 1989,
p. 73, pl. 3, fig. 7, Kopili Formation (Late Eocene), Jowai-
Sonapur Road Section, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 56, pl. 1, fig. 16, pl. 3, fig. 7,
Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22,
Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean.
Parmathyrites spp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 149-150, pl. 2, fig. 18,
Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Ambwani 1983, p. 150, pl. 1, fig. 9, Neyveli lignite
(Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Kar & Saxena 1981, p. 114-115, pl. 4, fig. 77, Middle-Late
Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Reddy et al. 1982, p. 115-116, pl. 1, figs. 14-16,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu; Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 49, pl. 2, fig. 30,
Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Kar 1985, p. 130, 131, Middle-
Late Eocene, bore core no. 27 near Rataria, Kutch District,
Gujarat; Raha et al. 1987, p. 213, Early Miocene,
Ambalapuzha borehole, Kerala; Saxena & Misra 1990, p.
265, pl. 3, fig. 17, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Ramanujam
et al. 1991, p. 54, Early Miocene, Pattanakad Borewell,
Alleppey District, Kerala; Gupta 1994, p. 251-252, fig. 4,
Subathu Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh.
Periconia spp. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100, Kundlu and
Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and Ramshahr,
Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Mandaokar et al. 2008,
p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 15-16, Late Holocene, Demagiri,
Mizoram.
Permulariaceae. Ratan & Chandra 1982, p. 262, pl. 1, figs. 7-
9, surface (bottom) sediments, Arabian Sea.
Phragmothyrites germling. Koshal & Uniyal 1986, p. 225, pl.
7, fig. 332, Tertiary, Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Phragmothyrites sp. cf. P. eocaenicus Edwards. Kar et al.
1972, p. 150, pl. 2, fig. 23, Tura Formation (Palaeocene),
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Venkatachala & Rawat 1972, p.
328, pl. 5, fig. 17, Palaeocene-Eocene, Cauvery Basin,
Tamil Nadu; Jain et al. 1973, p. 161, pl. 2, fig. 78, Barmer
Sandstone (Palaeocene), near Barmer Hill, Barmer
District, Rajasthan; Rawat et al. 1977, p. 187, Kadi
Formation (Early Eocene), Cambay Basin, Gujarat.
Phragmothyrites spp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 150-151, pl. 2, fig. 24,
Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Venkatachala & Rawat 1973, p. 258, pl. 1, fig. 9, pl. 6, fig.
13, Oligocene-Miocene, Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Kar
1978, p. 173, pl. 1, fig. 30, Harudi Formation (Middle
Eocene), near Harudi, Kutch District, Gujarat; Salujha et
al. 1980, p. 678, pl. 3, fig. 90, Bokabil Subgroup (Miocene),
Tulamura Anticline, South Tripura District, Tripura;
Saxena et al. 1984, p. 188, pl. 2, fig. 36, Lower Siwalik
(Middle-Late Miocene), Bhakra-Nangal Section, Bilaspur
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 189
District, Himachal Pradesh; Koshal & Uniyal 1986, p.
225, pl. 7, figs. 330-331, Tertiary, Cambay Basin, Gujarat;
Salujha & Kindra 1986, p. 246, pl. 3, fig. 82, Oligocene-
Miocene, Silchar-Haflong Road Traverse, Cachar
District, Assam; Singh et al. 1986, p. 94, 96, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Dona Member, Bhuban Formation (Early Miocene),
Sonapur- Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Raha et al. 1987,
p. 213, Early Miocene, Ambalapuzha bore hole, Kerala;
Saxena et al. 1988, p. 276, pl. 2, fig. 29, Pinjor Formation
(Pliocene), Masol-Kiratpur Section, Ambala District,
Haryana; Patil & Ramanujam 1988, p. 263-264, pl. 1, fig.
5, Miocene, Tonakkal, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala; Tripathi 1989, p. 72-73, pl. 3, fig. 2, Kopili
Formation (Late Eocene), Jowai-Sonapur Road Section,
Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya; Salujha et al. 1991, p.
67, pl. 2, fig. 70, Neogene, Adamtila Well-A, Cachar
District, Assam; Gupta 1994, p. 252, 254-255, figs. 5-6, 8,
Subathu Formation (Early Tertiary), Jamtah Road Section,
Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh; Tripathi et al. 1999,
p. 112, pl. 2, fig. 3, Eocene, Barsinghsar, Bikaner District,
Rajasthan; Srivastava & Bhattacharyya 2000, p. 375,
Early Tertiary, Kimin-Ziro Road Section, Lower Subansiri
District, near Rilu village, West Siang District and
Pasighat to Rengging Section, East Siang District,
Arunachal Pradesh; Singh & Kar 2003, p. 221, pl. 2, fig.
10, Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Palaeocene), northeast
of Papro, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh; Rao 2004, p.
124, pl. 2, fig. 6, Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene),
Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Singh &
Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 6, Neogene, Rampur Nala,
Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
cf. Phycomycetes Singh & Mathew 1954, p. 29, Cuddalore
Series (Miocene-Pliocene), South Arcot District, Tamil
Nadu.
Pleospora spp. Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 14,
Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and
Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Banerjee &
Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 6, Bhuban and Bokabil
formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216,
pl. 1, fig. 33, Middle Bhuban Formation (Early-Middle
Miocene), near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Pleurophragmium Costantin. Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 100,
Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu and
Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh.
Pluricellaesporites spp. Kar et al. 1972, p. 152, pl. 2, fig. 26,
Tura Formation Palaeocene), Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 297, pl. 2, fig. 24, Miocene,
Kerala; Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.1, Holocene,
Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura District, Tripura;
Koshal & Uniyal 1984, p. 238, 242, pl. 1, figs. 1-3, pl. 3,
figs. 19, 21, 30-31, 34, 36-37, Palaeocene-Early Eocene,
North Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Singh & Sarkar 1984a, p.
98, pl. 2, fig. 24, Miocene, Ramshahr Well-1, Solan District,
Himachal Pradesh; Varma & Patil 1985, p. 154, pl. 1, fig.
19, Miocene, Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram
District, Kerala; Singh et al. 1986, p. 101, pl. 2, figs. 11,
Lubha and Umkiang Members, Bhuban Formation (Early
Miocene), Sonapur-Badarpur Road Section, Jaintia Hills,
Meghalaya and Cachar District, Assam; Rajendran et al.
1989, p. 41, Miocene, Tonakkal, Kerala; Kar 1990a, p.
178, Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia
Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura
Borehole No. 2, Tripura; Kar 1990b, p. 236, 238, Jenam
and Renji formations (Middle-Late Oligocene), Silchar-
Haflong Road Section, Assam; Banerjee & Nandi 1992,
p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 4, Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone
formations (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Mandaokar 1993, p. 139, Tikak
Parbat Formation (Late Oligocene), Dangri Kumari
Colliery, Dibrugarh District, Assam; Misra et al. 1996, p.
95, Baghmara Formation (Early Miocene), Tura-Dalu
Road Section along Bugi River, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Saxena & Rao 1996, p. 46, Boldamgiri Formation (Early
Miocene), Adugiri-Purakhasia Road near Boldamgiri,
West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya; Chandra & Kumar
1998, p. 60, pl. 3, fig. 15, Late Tertiary, Site 218, Deep Sea
Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean; Samant
2000, p. 15, pl. 1, figs. 17-18, Kharsalia Clay Formation
(Early Eocene), near Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat;
Gupta et al. 2003, p. 210, Palaeocene-Eocene, Ganga
Basin; Rao 2004, p. 126, pl. 2, figs. 3-4, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Polyadosporites spp. Kumar 1994, p. 22, pl. 3, fig. 8, Laisong
Formation (Early Oligocene), Silchar-Haflong Road
Section, Assam; Mitra et al. 2000, p. 126, pl. 1, fig. 4,
Siwalik Group (Neogene), Darjeeling Foothills, Eastern
Himalaya.
Prospodium, teliospore of. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl.
2, figs. 7-8, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Puccinia Persoon. Sharma 1976, p. 80, pl. 1, fig. 11, Quaternary,
Malvan, Surat District, Gujarat.
Puccinia, uredospore of. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2,
figs. 9-10, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Pythiaceous fungus. Saxena 1984, p. 363-364, text-figs. 1-3,
Deccan Intertrappean Beds (Eocene), Mohgaon Kalan,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Ratnagiriathyrites sp. Saxena 2000, p. 163, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi, Sindhudurg
District, Maharashtra.
Retihelicosporonites. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, figs.
2.4-5, Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura.
190 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
cf. Sclerospora. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 8, text fig.
16, Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu.
Sclerosporis bicellus Chandra 1958 (nom. inval.), p. 211, pl.
38, figs. 1-2, Cuddalore Series (Miocene-Pliocene), South
Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
Sclerosporis cavatoglobosus Stach & Chandra. Chatterjee
& Ghosh 1962, p. 147, fig. 9, 15, Eocene, Dharangiri area,
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Ghosh 1964, p. 93, Tura Formation
(Palaeocene), Dharangiri Coalfield, Garo Hills,
Meghalaya.
Sclerotids. Casshyap 1963, p. 263, figs. 1-2, Barakar Stage
(Permian), Kargali Seam, Quarry No. 2, Bokaro Coalfield,
Bihar.
Sclerotites brandonianus Jeffrey & Chrysler. Chandra 1954,
p. 47-48, fig. 1, Palana Lignite (Eocene), Palana, Bikaner
District, Rajasthan; Chatterjee & Ghosh 1962, p. 148, figs.
3-5, Eocene, Dharangiri area, Garo Hills, Meghalaya;
Ghosh 1964, p. 93, Tura Formation (Palaeocene),
Dharangiri Coalfield, Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Navale 1968,
p. 143, pl. 2, figs. 14-17, Neyveli lignite (Miocene),
Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu.
cf. Sclerotites brandonianus Jeffrey & Chrysler. Pareek 1962,
p. 828, pl. 42, figs. 3, 7-8, 12, Palana Lignite (Eocene),
Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
Sclerotites crassitesta Stach. Chandra 1954, p. 47-48, fig. 2,
Palana Lignite (Eocene), Palana, Bikaner District,
Rajasthan; Chatterjee & Ghosh 1962, p. 147, fig. 2,
Eocene, Dharangiri area, Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Pareek
1962, p. 828, pl. 42, figs. 10, Palana Lignite (Eocene),
Palana, Bikaner District, Rajasthan; Ghosh 1964, p. 93,
fig. 9, Tura Formation (Palaeocene), Dharangiri Coalfield,
Garo Hills, Meghalaya; Navale 1968, p. 143, pl. 2, figs.
11-13, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Sclerotites multicellatus Stach. Navale 1968, p. 143, pl. 2, fig.
18, Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Sclerotites. Chandra 1954, p. 47-48, fig. 3, Raniganj Stage
(Upper Permian), Poniati Seam, Raniganj Coalfield, West
Bengal.
Sirophoma like fungus. Patil & Singh 1974, p. 144, pl. 1, figs.
1-2, 7, Deccan Intertrappean Series (? Palaeocene),
Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh.
Siwalikiathyrites sp. Rao 2004, p. 125, pl. 1, fig. 19, Sindhudurg
Formation (Miocene), Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.
Spegazzinia sp. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 294, pl. 3, fig. 49,
Miocene, Kerala.
Spegazzinia. Prasad & Ramesh 1983, p. 255, fig. 2.12,
Holocene, Khowai and Sonai valleys, West Tripura
District, Tripura; Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2,
figs. 17-18, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Spinosporonites. Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 8,
Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Spirotremesporites spp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1,
fig. 2, Bhuban, Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations
(Miocene), Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District,
Mizoram; Banerjee & Nandi 1994, p. 216, pl. 1, fig. 30,
Middle Bhuban Formation (Early-Middle Miocene), near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Spores types 1-6 (Uredinales). Ramanujam & Ramachar 1963,
p. 271-272, figs. 1-6, Cuddalore Series (Miocene), Pilot
Quarry, Borehole PB5, Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu.
Spore type, 3-celled striate. Ramanujam & Srisailam 1980, p.
131, pl. 2, fig. 28, Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kannur
district, Kerala.
Spore types. Ramanujam & Rao 1978, p. 296, 301, pl. 1, figs.
17-19, pl. 3, figs. 39, 50, Miocene, Kerala; Ramanujam &
Ramachar 1980, p. 83-84, pl. 1, figs. 10, 13, Neyveli lignite
(Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu;
Varma & Patil 1985, p. 152, pl. 1, figs. 5-6, Miocene,
Tonakkal clay mine, Thiruvananthapuram District,
Kerala.
Staphlosporonites spp. Singh & Sarkar 1984b, p. 48, pl. 2, fig.
31, Kasauli Formation (Early Miocene), Banethi, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Bhattacharyya
1987, p. 193, pl. 1, fig. 18, Lower Siwalik-Nahan (Middle-
Late Miocene), Kala Amb-Nahan Section, Sirmaur
District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena & Misra 1990, p. 265,
pl. 3, fig. 14, 16, Ratnagiri Beds (Neogene), Amberiwadi
Section, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Srivastava
& Bhattacharyya 2000, p. 375, pl. 2, fig. 10, Early Tertiary,
Kimin-Ziro Road Section, Lower Subansiri District, near
Rilu village, West Siang District and Pasighat to Rengging
Section, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh; Singh
& Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 13, Neogene, Rampur
Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand.
cf. Stemonites sp. Ambwani 1983, p. 150, pl. 1, figs. 10-11,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu.
Stemphylium. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 6, 29-
30, Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Striadiporites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1, fig. 14,
(Bhuban, Formation (Miocene), Rengte Anticline near
Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Synchytrium. Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 200, pl. 2, figs. 21-22,
Late Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
Tetracoccosporium sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1,
fig. 19, Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene),
Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Tetraploa aristata Berkley & Broome. Gupta 1970, p. 236,
pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Pleistocene, Sankrail, Howrah District,
West Bengal.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 191
Tetraploa ellisii Cooke. Gupta 1970, p. 236, pl. 1, fig. 3,
Pleistocene, Sankrail, Howrah District, West Bengal.
Tetraploa spp. Rao & Menon 1970, p. 75, pl. 1, fig. 13,
Quaternary, Pykara, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu; Sharma
1976, p. 79, pl. 1, figs. 1-4, Quaternary, Malvan, Surat
District, Gujarat; Singh & Saxena 1981, p. 177, pl. 1, fig.
13, Upper Siwalik (Plio-Pleistocene), Gagret-Bharwain
Road Section, Una District, Himachal Pradesh; Saxena
& Singh 1982a, p. 295-296, pl. 2, fig. 30, Upper Siwalik
(Pliocene), Hoshiarpur-Una Road Section, Hoshiarpur
District, Punjab and Una District, Himachal Pradesh;
Singh & Sarkar 1984a, p. 98, pl. 2, fig. 37, Miocene,
Ramshahr Well-1, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh;
Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 23, Miocene,
Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra Pradesh and Palk Bay
area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu; Kumar 1990, p. 25,
pl. 1, figs. 24, 26, Quilon Beds (Miocene), clay mine
section near Kanjantheria House, Padappakkara, Kollam
district, Kerala; Sarkar & Singh 1994, p. 99, pl. 1, figs. 4-
5, Kundlu and Nalagarh formations (Miocene), Kundlu
and Ramshahr, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh; Singh
& Chauhan 2008, p. 76, pl. 2, fig. 10, Neogene, Rampur
Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar District, Jharkhand;
Mandaokar et al. 2008, p. 198, pl. 1, figs. 1-2, Late
Holocene, Demagiri, Mizoram.
3-celled striated sporomorph. Mallesham et al. 1989, p. 16,
pl. 1, fig. 20, Miocene, Godavari-Krishna Basin, Andhra
Pradesh and Palk Bay area in Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu.
Thyriothecium types 1-3. Ramanujam 1963a, p. 327-328, figs.
1-2, 4, Cuddalore Series (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot
District, Tamil Nadu.
Triangulosporonites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1,
fig. 12, Bhuban and Bokabil formations (Miocene),
Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Trichopeltinites spp. Rao & Ramanujam 1976, p. 101, pl. 2,
fig. 16, Quilon and Warkalli Beds (Miocene), Kerala; Pant
et al. 1988, p. 49, pl. 3, fig. 35, Bansa beds (Early
Cretaceous), Madhya Pradesh; Kar 1990a, p. 179, pl. 8,
fig. 120, (Surma and Tipam groups (Miocene), Rokhia
Borehole No. 1, Gojalia Borehole No. 1 and Baramura
Borehole No. 2, Tripura.
Trichothyriaceae. Ratan & Chandra 1982, p. 262, pl. 1, figs.
10-11, surface (bottom) sediments, Arabian Sea.
Trichothyrites spp. Reddy et al. 1982, p. 114, pl. 1, fig. 9,
Neyveli lignite (Miocene), Neyveli, South Arcot District,
Tamil Nadu; Kumar 1996, p. 114, Tarkeshwar Formation
(Early Eocene), Rajpardi, Bharuch District, Gujarat;
Chandra & Kumar 1998, p. 60, pl. 3, fig. 6, Late Tertiary,
Site 218, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 22, Bengal Fan,
Indian Ocean; Mandaokar 2000a, p. 320, Bhuban
Formation (Early Miocene), Ramrikawn near Chandmari,
Aizawl District, Mizoram; Samant 2000, p. 16, pl. 1, fig.
24, Kharsalia Clay Formation (Early Eocene), near
Bhavnagar, Cambay Basin, Gujarat; Saxena 2000, p. 163,
Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene), Mavli Mine at Redi,
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra; Ramanujam et al.
1991, p. 54, Early Miocene, Pattanakad Borewell, Alleppey
District, Kerala; Singh & Chauhan 2008, p. 75, pl. 1, figs.
3, 5, Neogene, Rampur Nala, Mahuadanr Vally, Latehar
District, Jharkhand.
Trilobosporonites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, Bhuban,
Bokabil and Tipam Sandstone formations (Miocene),
Rengte Anticline near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
Triporicellaesporites sp. Banerjee & Nandi 1992, p. 84, pl. 1,
fig. 9, Bhuban Formation (Miocene), Rengte Anticline
near Kolasib, Aizawl District, Mizoram.
DISCUSSION
In the present publication, 12 new combinations and 15
new species have been proposed. These are listed in the
Introduction part. Salient morphologic features of fossil fungal
spores and fungal fruiting bodies are discussed below.
I. Fungal spores
Majority of fungal spores found in palynological
preparations belong to Ascomycetes. Only few spores of
Basidiomycetes have been described in some fossil
assemblages. Palynological assemblages are often rich in
different varieties of conidia. These are produced by Fungi
Imperfecti and the holomorphic Ascomycetes. They may be
one-celled to multi-celled and are of varied shapes.
Spores of some fungi, especially conidia and ascospores,
possess distinctive features leading to their identification and
categorization with the extant forms. Fossil spores can be
generally assigned to a natural class system of Phycomycetes,
Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes if the diagnostic
morphographic features are observable. Some fossil materials
are assigned to the class Fungi Imperfecti where spores or
isolated structures (conidia, pycnidia or other sporangia, or
isolated mycelia) are of exclusive morphology. Numerous types
of fossil fungal remains are reported from Late Cretaceous to
Cenozoic sediments. These include detached spores,
microscopic sporangia, hyphae or fragmented mycelia. In a
classification system proposed by van der Hammen (1956)
fossil fungal spores were grouped under various morphologic
categories having the suffix ‘Sporites’. Clarke (1965) proposed
the suffix ‘Sporonites’ for naming the fossil fungal spores.
Considering shape, size and symmetry of spores, absence/
presence and number of apertures, septa characters and the
wall features, Elsik (1976) attempted to prepare a comprehensive
applicable taxonomy for the fossil spores. He proposed artificial
supra-generic categories for classification of fossil fungal
spores. These categories were primarily based on the cell
number and presence or absence of apertures. Under these
192 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
(cont.)
Taxa Diagnostic features
Amerospores
Basidiosporites Elsik Spores with single offset pore, unicellate, elongate, wall psilate, shape variable.
Biporipsilonites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius
Elongate fusiform to barrel-shaped, generally with a plane of symmetry
through the equator; spore wall generally smooth, occasionally with some
subdued sculpture, two terminal pores, septa, thin or thick, may show a central
perforation and/or small septal folds.
Cervichlamydospora Kar et al. Chlamydospores sub-circular, dark brown-black, originate from neck of
hyphae; solitary, many hyphae adhere together at base, branch out laterally at
tip; hyphae wall laevigate-granulose, grana up to 1 m thick, sparsely placed.
Diporisporites van der Hammen Shape generally elongate, diporate, pores on opposite ends.
Exesisporites Elsik Unicellate, lenticular, monoporate, pore small, pore surrounded by thickening.
Foveodiporites Varma & Rawat
1963
Monocellate, diporate fusiform to elliptic in shape, wall relatively thin,
externally smooth, internally smooth, or with punctate, granulate, foveloate or
similar sculpture; pores terminal, complex, consisting of a thin collar and
separated from the spore interior by one or two septa.
Hypoxylonites Elsik Oval to elongate, bilateral, psilate, provided with elongate scar, slit or furrow.
Inapertisporites van der Hammen
ex van der Hammen
Inaperturate, shape and size variable, wall psilate to variously ornamented.
Lacrimasporonites Clarke Spatulate to elliptical in shape, wall psilate, monoporate, pore apical.
Monoporisporites van der
Hammen
Spherical to sub-spherical, monoporate, wall psilate to finely punctuate.
Palaeoamphisphaerella
Ramanujam & Srisailam
Shape elliptical, oblong or rhomboidal with rounded ends, provided with
equatorial pore.
Psilainaperturites Pierce Psilate, inaperturate sporomorphs.
Retidiporites Varma & Rawat Diporate grains with reticulate exine.
Spirotremesporites Dueñas-
Jimenez emend. Elsik
Psilate, aseptate, elongate elliptical to oval, aperture in the form of single
furrow at an angle to the axis of the spore, straight or curved to S-shaped or
sigmoidal in outline, or spiral around the spore axis.
Striadiporites Varma & Rawat
Ambitus oval to fusiform, single celled, wall provided with longitudinally
ribbed to broadly reticulate ornamentation. Two pores, one at each end of the
spore on the long axis.
Didymospores
Dicellaesporites Elsik Two-celled, uniseptate, shape variable, inaperturate, wall psilate.
Didymoporisporonites Sheffy &
Dilcher
Dicellate, uniseptate, apex of one cell provided with pore, psilate to punctuate.
Dyadosporites van der Hammen
ex Clarke Diporate, with a single pore at each end, wall psilate to variously sculptured.
Fusiformisporites Rouse Fusiform, inaperturate, the unit is split into equal halves by equatorial wall,
bearing characteristic elongate striae, ribs, ridges or costae oriented parallel to
longer axis.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 193
(cont.)
Hilidicellites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius Small to medium-sized dicellate spores, with the proximal end flattened or
truncate, due to the presence of a hilum or pore-like structure; the two cells
generally of comparable size; spore wall thin, smooth or with subdued
sculpture.
Phragmospores
Alleppeysporonites Ramanujam &
Rao
Spores branched, multicellate, septate, individual cell rectangular, basal and
terminal cells provided with a conspicuous appendage.
Axisporonites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius
Inaperturate, tricellate elliptical in shape, two polar cells smaller, thicker,
triangular, with dark pigmentation, central cell large, hyaline; septa thick.
Brachysporisporites Lange &
Smith
Obovate, turbinate or pyriform, multi-celled, cells broader than long, gradually
diminishing in size towards the attachment cell which is the smallest, with very
dark, thick bands of septa similarly reducing in size.
Cannanorosporonites Ramanujam
& Rao Tetracellate, barrel-shaped, basal and terminal cells smaller than central cells.
Ceratohirudispora Kar et al. Conidiophore small, growth terminated by production of apical conidium;
conidium enlarges laterally in opposite direction to produce two-three arms,
conidia 5–10 celled, septa with broad base and narrow tip.
Chaetosphaerites Felix Sporidia strongly obtuse spindle-shaped, almost like that of a cylinder with
rounded ends, consist of 4 segments, two median, dark coloured cells larger
than the two others.
Circinoconites Kar et al.
Conidia acrogenous, strongly spiralled, solitary, coiled, not in chains or slime,
8–14 septate, fist-shaped, dark brown, constricted at septa, cells increasing in
diameter from base to apex, dissimilar, spirally arranged.
Diporicellaesporites Elsik Elongate, diporate, one pore at each end of the spore, wall psilate to finely
structured.
Diporopollis Dutta & Sah
Diporate; globular to sub-spheroidal; pores placed one over the other, circular
in shape, and encircled by one or more thickened rims; exine thin, surface
sculpture psilate to scabrate or finely granulate.
Foveoletisporonites Ramanujam
& Rao
Four or more celled, elongate, foveolate, foveolae irregularly aligned.
Kumarisporites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius Tricellate, inaperturate, central cell may be larger than the tapering terminal
cells; septa thicker than spore wall; spore wall ornamented by longitudinal ribs
running full length of the spore, tapering towards the poles.
Mathurisporites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius Hilate spores, generally consisting of a darker central part with 2-4 cells, and
proximal and distal parts of a single to few hyaline cells. No distal pore.
Multicellaesporites Elsik emend.
Kumar
Three or more celled, shape variable, inaperturate, spore wall psilate.
Multicellites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius Multicellate, uniserial, inaperturate, number of cells three to many, terminal
cells usually rounded; spore wall usually smooth, of medium thickness, septa
generally perforate, or with septal folds.
Ornasporonites Ramanujam &
Rao
Fusiform, four-celled, diporate, basal and apical cells much small, one pore at
each end.
Pluricellaesporites van der
Hammen emend. Elsik &
Jansonius
Three or more celled, long, monoporate, psilate to scabrate.
194 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
(cont.)
Quilonia Jain & Gupta emend.
Kalgutkar & Jansonius Filamentous, multicellular, apical and basal portions narrow, central wide.
Basal stalk prominent with one or two rectangular thick-walled cells; apical cell
mostly incomplete, curved, central portion broad, elongate with irregularly
shaped furrow-like suture, inside the filament at different places occur one to
four small circular, ostiolate bodies. Exine thick, margin undulated.
Ramasricellites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius
Inaperturate, tetracellate, ellipsoidal, with central cells broader, thicker walled
and more pigmented than the terminal cells; terminal cells thin-walled to
hyaline, with rounded ends; septa (or septal bases) thick and dark, evenly
spaced.
Reduviasporonites Wilson
Conidia-like spores occurring in uniseriate chains, subspherical, slightly
flattened at the contacts with adjacent spores, all approximately same diameter,
walls 1-2 m thick, uniform, smooth or slightly rough, yellow or brown,
translucent.
Scolecosporites Lange & Smith
Long to very long, linear filamentous phragmospores, hilate, with or without
distal pore; length many times width of spore. Spores scalariform, commonly
broken and lacking proximal and/or distal portions; wall and septa commonly
thin; septa often with septal folds. Not or barely indented at septa.
Varmasporites Kalgutkar &
Jansonius
Fusiform, four-celled, inaperturate, with a pronounced constriction at the thick
median septum, and with a distinct ribbed or striate sculpture parallel to the
long axis.
Dictyospores
Dictyosporites Felix
Inaperturate, multicellate, muriform, cells rounded to rounded polygonal.
Overall shape rounded, oval/ovoid to elongate.
Kutchiathyrites Kar
Hilate conidia, fan shaped, formed by numerous linear filaments radiating out
from the hilum; conidia may be flattened, filaments may be joined to their
neighbours, or partially free, and may branch towards the periphery.
Lirasporis Potonié & Sah
Fungal bodies oval-elliptical with equal or unequal, broad, generally notched
ends. Mycelia, long, septate, ± parallel to one another, extending from one end
to other; wall generally laevigate, sometimes granulose.
Papulosporonites
Schmiedeknecht & Schwab Fungal remains of globular to elongate shape, consisting of numerous more or
less polygonal cells that are firmly fused into mulberry-shaped aggregates.
Cells without any regular order, or concentrically arranged; one to three of the
innermost cells commonly much larger. Occasionally individual aggregates
fused together.
Polyadosporites van der Hammen
emend. Kalgutkar & Jansonius Spores subspherical, loosely aggregated in clusters, with individual cells not
connected to others by shared walls; clusters (colonies?) more or less regularly
spherical to subspherical.
Polycellaesporonites Chandra et
al. Elongate, multicellate, inaperturate, psilate, one end rounded, other end giving
rise to a tube-like projection, cells arranged in clusters.
Staphlosporonites Sheffy &
Dilcher
Shape variable, four or more irregular cells arranged in clusters along more
than one axis, inaperturate, psilate to punctate.
Helicospores
Colligerites Jain & Kar Multicellular, coiled, cells generally smaller, rounded in central region and
bigger, rectangular in outer region. Spore wall mostly laevigate, sometimes
granulose. Pore may be present or absent in each cell.
Elsikisporonites Kumar Tubular and coiled in shape, monoporate, pore at outer end, non-septate, spore
wall smooth and hyaline.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 195
categories artificial genera and species could be conveniently
described. Pirozynski and Weresub (1979) suggested a system
named as ‘Saccardoan System’ for classifying the fungal spore
types that are not referable to extant families. This scheme is
based on shape and number of cells and fungal spores are
recognized as Amerospores, Didymospores, Phragmospores,
Dictyospores, Scolecospores, Helicospores or Staurospores
(star-like). Characteristic features of each of these groups are
as follows:
Amerosporae: Spores unicellate, inaperturarate or
aperturate; aperturate spores with one pore or hilum, two or
more pores, or variable apertures.
Didymosporae: Spores dicellate, inaperturate or
aperturate; aperturate spores with one pore or hilum at the
proximal end, or two pores, one each at or near the proximal
and distal end.
Phragmosporae: Spores tri- or pluricellate, only
transversely septate, inaperturate or aperturate; aperturate
spores with a pore or hilum at the proximal end; with or without
attenuated distal end, or with two pores, one each at the proximal
and distal end.
Dictyosporae: Spores muriform, divided by few or many
intersecting longitudinal and transverse or diagonal septa;
shapes variable, inaperturate or with a more or less distinct
hilum, that may be a scar or protruding.
Helicosporae: Spores uni- or pluricellate; with curved
axis (spirally coiled), coiled in one plane or twisted in three
planes.
Staurosporae: Spores pluricellate; with more than one
axis, or stellate (star-shaped).
Scolecosporae: Elongate pluricellate spores with ladder-
like septation; length/width ratio of spore body exceeding 15:1;
spores narrow, filamentous, transversely septate, with a pore
or hilum at the proximal end or two pores, one each at the
proximal and distal end.
Following this system of classification, the commonly
found fossil spore genera and their salient characters are given
in Fig. 389.
II. Ascocarps (Fruiting bodies)
Enormous variety of fossil epiphyllous fruiting bodies
are recorded from Indian Tertiary strata. These were amongst
the first fungal groups that were unquestionably identified in
the microfossil assemblages. Because of distinctive
morphological features, fossil fungal fructifications can be
compared with extant counterpart with greater accuracy than
the dispersed spores. Commonly occurring as parasites on
epidermis of leaves, stem and flowers of higher plants, these
belong to Ascomycetes and are placed in the family
Microthyriaceae. These have been extensively recorded from
Neocomian to Quaternary sediments world over (Cookson
1947, Elsik 1978a). Fruit bodies of Microthyriaceous fungi are
known as Ascocarps. These are provided with radiating rows
of mycelial cells giving an appearance of tissues arranged in
radial fashion. Ascocarps contain asci that are surrounded by
or enclosed within protective tissues and may be globose,
flask-shaped or saucer shaped open bodies. These may or
may not possess an opening known as ostiole.
Fossil fungal fruiting bodies are also classified under the
artificial system grouping them with Fungi Imperfecti. Several
workers attempted to classify and formally describe the fossil
ascocarps (Edwards 1922, Rosendahl 1943, Cookson 1947, Rao
1959, Dilcher 1965, Venkatachala & Kar 1969, Jain & Gupta
Helicominites Barlinge &
Paradkar Mycelium septate, branched, hyphae faint in colour; pycnidium and acervulus
absent; conidia coiled in loose spirals and narrow at both ends.
Involutisporonites Clarke Coiled, transversely septate, monoporate, psilate to variously ornamented.
Palaeocirrenalia Ramanujam &
Srisailam Inaperturate, helicoid, 1 to 1 1/4 times loosely coiled, multicellular, 2- to 6-
septate, septa transverse, prominent, as thick and dark bands, cells of unequal
size, terminal cell dome-shaped and broader, basal cell usually cuneate, pale-
coloured, surface psilate.
Retihelicosporonites Ramanujam
& Rao Uniseriate, multicellular, inaperturate, basal cell cuneate, other cells
rectangular; apical part of spore helical. Spore wall reticulate.
Staurospores
Frasnacritetrus Taugourdeau Main body rectangular, spherical or oval, psilate to variously ornamented, body
provided with four unicellular processes.
Spegazzinites Felix Hyphomycetous conidia consist of 4 partial cells, individual cells more
roundish, some conidia spinose, spines of various length.
Fig. 389. Diagnostic characters of fossil fungal spores.
196 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
1970, Elsik 1978b, Pirozynski 1978). Fruiting bodies of
Microthyriaceous fungi are classified on the basis of
dehiscence mode (through irregular or regular cracking pattern
or by a central pore or ostiole). Other characteristic features
considered for their classification are: shape and margin of the
fruiting body, presence or absence of pores in individual cells
and nature of the central part of the fruiting body. Widely
accepted classification scheme to describe the dispersed
ascocarps is summarized in Fig. 390. This system is primarily
based on porate or aporate individual cells of multicellular
fruiting body. Forms with porate individual cells are kept under
the genus Callimothallus whereas those without pores are
divided into Non-radiate and Radiate forms. The Non-radiate
forms may be ostiolate or non-ostiolate. The Radiate forms are
further divided into genera having smooth, fimbriate or spinose
margins. The Radiate forms with smooth to fimbriate margins
are further divided on the basis of presence, absence or nature
of ostiole. Salient characters of fossil genera described as
fruiting bodies are given in Fig. 391.
Fruiting bodies of Microthyriaceae are most common in
fossil assemblages. However, some other members of the
epiphyllous fungi produce morphologically similar
fructifications. The family Asterinaceae shows the presence
of thyriothecium resembling those of Microthyriaceae.
Fructifications of this family open by irregular crumbling,
cracking or gelatinization of the central area forming an irregular
wide opening or stellate crack (Pirozynski 1978). Fruiting bodies
of Trichothyriaceae resemble those of Asterinaceae but are
lenticular rather than scutelliform. The ostiole in these forms
is often protruding and may be bordered by dark pigmented
cells which sometimes bear spine-like setae. This family is
represented in fossil records by Trichothyrites. Thalli of the
family Trichopeltaceae are irregularly branched, membranous
and are composed of regular cells arranged into orderly parallel
or radiating patterns. The fructifications are in the form of
circular ostiolate bulges in thallus. These common tropical
epiphytes have fossil representatives assigned to the genera
Trichopeltinites and Brefeldiellites. Fructifications of the
family Micropeltaceae are also shield-shaped and centrally
ostiolate. Walls in these fruiting bodies are composed of
haphazardly arranged indistinct hyphae forming a delicate
hyphal reticulum at the margins. Members of this family are
epiphytes growing on tropical evergreen plants.
Plochmopeltinites are the fossil members of the family. Fruiting
Ascocarp cells aporate Ascocarp cells porate
Body radiate
(Callimothallus)
Body non-radiate
(Ratnagiriathyrites)
Body radiate, margin smooth or irregular
Body radiate, margin
with projecting spines
(Parmathyrites)
Ostiole distinct
1. Body made up of
intertwined thin hyphae;
ostiole margin thickened
(Plochmopeltinites)
2. Ostiole bordered with
single/double walled
cells
(Trichothyrites)
Ostiole indistinct
(Microthyriacites)
Non-ostiolate
1. Central cells modified,
provided with star-shaped
opening
(Asterothyrites)
2. Central cells
unmodified
(Phragmothyrites)
Ascocarp cells aporate, body non-radiate
Ostiolate Non-ostiolate
(Trichopeltinites)
Irregular ostiole, body fan-shaped
(Brefeldiellites)
Elongated dehiscence, body
multi fan-shaped
(Euthythyrites)
Fig. 390. Classification of fossil Ascocarps (after Elsik 1978).
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 197
bodies of the epiphyllous Ascomycetes of the family
Parmulariaceae superficially resemble those described earlier
but are thicker and less distinctly cellular. Fossil representatives
of these forms are Callimothallus and Microthallites.
Stratigraphic Implications
Fungal spore stratigraphy
Although most of the fungal spores are long ranging
and do not bear any stratigraphical significance, some are
morphologically distinct and have restricted range in geological
time. Applicability of fungal spores has, therefore, increased
with the record of such characteristic spores (Kalgutkar &
Jansonius 2000). Graham (1962) was amongst the pioneers to
suggest the possibility of using fungal spores for
supplementing age determinations in palynological studies.
According to Elsik (1970), although variety of fungal spores
are recorded from Mesozoic strata world over, their
morphological complexity and frequency increase in Cenozoic.
He noted that Fusiformisporites and similar longitudinally
ribbed forms appear to be restricted to the Cenozoic. Elsik
(1970) further observed that fossil fungal spores described as
Exesisporites which resemble with extant Hypoxylon type are
more frequently recorded in Neogene sediments. Ramanujam
(1982) opined that overall diversity in morphology of fungal
spore was attained by late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary. While
evaluating the stratigraphic potential of fungal remains in
Taxa Diagnostic features
Asterothyrites Cookson Ascomata round, flat, made up of radially arranged hyphae, cells isodiametric.
Ascomata ostiolate, ostiole stellate in shape, probably formed by dissolution of
central cells.
Brefeldiellites Dilcher Hyphae produce a large rounded membranous structure with marginal fertile areas
or ascomata. Central ascoma cells break away as a dehiscence mechanism.
Callimothallus Dilcher Stroma round, radiate, no central dehiscence, individual cells may possess single
pore.
Euthythyrites Cookson Ascomata linear, elliptical to oblong, ends rounded or flattened, lateral margins
uneven, dehiscence by a longitudinal slit, cells radiating from mid-vertical line,
hyphopodiate, hyphopodia small.
Microthyriacites Cookson Ascomata very large (1000-1200 μm), slightly convex. Central part constituted by
thick isodiametric cells, peripheral cells elongated, radial.
Parmathyrites Jain & Gupta Ascomata flattened, non-ostiolate, more or less circular, hyphae radially arranged.
Peripheral cells prominent with thickened radial walls, spines peripheral. Ostiole
distinct.
Phragmothyrites Edwards Ascomata sub-circular to circular with radially arranged hyphae, hyphal cells may
be differentiated forming separate regions in the fruiting body. Central cells
isodiametric.
Plochmopeltinites Cookson Ascomata of dimidiate form with ascomal membranes of sinuous plectenchyma.
Ratnagiriathyrites Saxena & Misra Ascomata sub-circular or irregular in shape, margin thick, wavy, dark brown in
colour, margin thick, wavy, non-ostiolate. Cells not arranged radially, porate. Pores
generally distributed throughout stromata. Peripheral cells hexagonal, bigger,
central cells small.
Trichopeltinites Cookson Ascomata developed as thickened areas of the thallus and dehiscing by an
irregular ostiole as in Trichopeltis Theiss Stevens.
Trichothyrites Rosendahl Thyriothecia disc- or saucer-shaped, made up of almost square radiating cells.
Ostiolate, ostiole placed on an erect collar, made up of 2-6 tiers of thick walled
quadrilateral cells. Uppermost tire of cells may have short prolongations in some
cases. Outline usually smooth but may appear lobate.
Fig. 391. Diagnostic features of fossil ascocarps (fruiting bodies).
198 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
Indian stratigraphic sequences, he further observed that
spores with relatively simpler morphology were recorded from
early Mesozoic strata but in younger sediments ornamented
spores with complex morphology were recorded.
Fossil ascocarp stratigraphy
Records of fossil microthyriaceous fungi show that these
occur in major parts of the Cenozoic. An attempt has been
made to summarize the stratigraphic distribution (at generic
level only) of different fossil fruiting bodies recorded from
Indian Tertiary sequences (Fig. 392). Taxa assigned to
Callimothallus and Cucurbitariaceites are long ranging and
are recorded from Palaeocene to Pliocene sediments. Different
species of Phragmothyrites mark their presence in Palaeocene
to Miocene and Microthyriacites in Eocene to Miocene. Forms
restricted to Miocene sequences only are: Asterothyrites,
Euthythyrites, Parmathyrites, Plochmopeltinites,
Ratnagiriathyrites, Trichopeltinites and Trichothyrites.
Palaeoclimatic Interpretations
Fungi are found in close association with specific plants
and animals and if found in a fossil state are indicative of
similar kind of situations during the geological past. Fossil
fungi, therefore, may provide useful information about the
palaeoecology, past habitats and their hosts. In this regard,
fossil epiphyllous fungi can be more reliable and
advantageous. Occurrence of these fossils reflects moist and
humid climate of tropical to subtropical belts. The fossil peltate
fungi are generally identified to the extant Microthyriaceae
which are ectoparasites on leaves of higher plants of tropical
to subtropical zones growing particularly in areas with high
humidity. Edwards (1922) reported the occurrence of this group
on conifer needles. Microthyriaceous fungi grow best in rain
forests, rain forest margins and along creek banks (Ramanujam
1982). Hence their presence is generally indicative of a wet
tropical climate with heavy precipitation. The palaeohabitat
interpretations based on fossil epiphyllous microthyriaceous
fungi and their germlings is well established through the
studies on their modern equivalents growing on leaf litter from
various Australian regions. These studies have shown the
occurrence of microthyriaceous germlings in greater number
on the plants growing in moist tropical habitats. Such studies
have great potential in interpreting the palaeoclimate and
should be undertaken for other geographical areas. However,
the ecological interpretations based on epiphyllous fungi
should be made with caution because some of these are
reported to occur in wider latitudinal ranges (Dilcher 1965,
Selkirk 1975). It is therefore, advisable to take into consideration
the complete palynological assemblage for
palaeoenvironmental interpretations. In most of the cases,
coordinated studies on megafossils in association with
palynological assemblages may provide more accurate
information about the palaeoenvironmental conditions. Dilcher
(1965) published an account of epiphyllous fungi thriving on
leaves of different plants of Eocene age. Such studies bear
great potential for determining the regional palaeoclimate by
comparing the fossils with extant taxa of known habitats.
Environmental interpretations based on the presence of
Microthyriaceae may, however, sometimes be hampered due
to the incorrect identification of the material. Their presence in
Taxa Palaeocene Eocene Oligocene Miocene Pliocene
Callimothallus Dilcher
Cucurbitariaceites Kar et al.
Phragmothyrites Edwards
Microthyriacites Cookson
K
alviwadithyrites Rao
Parmathyrites Jain and Gupta
Plochmopeltinites Cookson
Ratnagiriathyrites Saxena and Misra
Trichopeltinites Cookson
Trichothyrites Rosendahl
Asterothyrites Cookson
Euthythyrites Cookson
Fig. 392. Stratigraphic distribution of some fossil ascocarp genera in Indian Tertiary sediments.
SAXENA & TRIPATHI—INDIAN FOSSIL FUNGI 199
dispersed fossil assemblage should, therefore, be ascertained
before deciphering the past climate. The red alga Caloglossa
leprieurii, generally found on grasses of brackish water
marshes may be confused with Trichopeltinites due to
morphological resemblance. Similarly, marine green alga Ulvella
lens also resembles the fructifications of Microthyriaceae.
Studies particularly focusing on host fungus relationship
are also of great significance in attempting the
palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Chitaley (1978) and
Chitaley and Yawale (1978) provided valuable palaeoecological
information based on the presence of fossil fungal spores in
petrified plant materials from the Deccan Intertrappean beds
of India. Similar kinds of interpretations were published by
Kar et al. (2004a, b, 2005, 2006). These studies emphasize the
importance of some fungal spores in evaluation of
palaeoenvironment. Ramanujam and Srisailam (1980) noticed
prevalence of Palaeocirrenalia, the helicoid spore, in Neogene
sediments of Kerala, South India and interpreted brackish to
marine conditions by comparing them with modern fungi.
Similarly, based on the presence of some other spores in the
same strata a tropical climate has been interpreted by
Ramanujam and Rao (1978) and Ramanujam and Srisailam
(1980). A warm and humid environment has been interpreted
by Kalgutkar and McIntyre (1991) in the Canadian Arctic due
to the presence of helicosporous fungal types. Studies on
fossil fungal remains in coordination with micro- and
megafossils of other groups have sometimes been used to
infer the palaeoenvironment (Dilcher 1973, Pirozynski 1976,
Ramanujam 1982). These assessments are based on the
assumption that the palaeoclimatic sensitivity of fossil taxa
was similar to that of the comparable modern counterparts. In
this regard special stress was laid to explore the possibility of
relating fossil fungal spores with those of modern fungi so as
to realize their full potential in determining the ancient
environment. However, only those types that could be related
to the modern forms with certainty should be taken into account
for this specific purpose.
General Remarks
Fungal remains have been reported from the Permian
(Bajpai & Maheshwari 1988) and Early Cretaceous (Banerji &
Misra 1968, Pant et al. 1983, Bose & Banerjee 1984, Tiwari &
Tripathi 1995, Tripathi 2001) sediments of India. Diverse fungal
remains have been described from Indian Tertiary sedimentary
sequences (Rao 1943, Chitaley 1957, Potonié & Sah 1960, Baksi
1962, Venkatachala & Kar 1969, Deb 1970, Jain & Gupta 1970,
Chitaley & Sheikh 1971, Chitaley & Patil 1972, Kar et al. 1972,
Ramanujam & Rao 1973, 1977, 1978, Kar & Saxena 1976, Rao &
Ramanujam 1975, 1976, 1978, Chitaley 1978, Chitaley & Yawale
1978, Patil & Ramanujam 1980, Kumar 1990, Rao 1995, Kar et
al. 2003, 2004a, b, 2005, 2006, Srivastava 2008, etc.). A few of
these are briefly discussed here.
Potonié and Sah (1960) described Lirasporis intergranifer
from the Cannanore lignite (Miocene) of Kerala to
accommodate oval spores with notches at the ends and
having parallel longitudinal ribs through the body. The size of
the fossil ranges 69-103 m × 116-134 m. Jain and Kar (1979),
emending the diagnosis of the taxa, described the form as a
fungal body made up of long septate mycelia which run more
or less parallel to each other from one end to other. The wall of
the body is generally laevigate but sometimes granulate.
Kalgutkar and Jansonius (2000) commented that this form may
have some stratigraphic significance. Kar et al. (1972) described
fungal fruiting body Cucurbitariaceites from early Tertiary
sediments of Meghalaya. The fruiting bodies are circular to
sub-circular in shape, 40-120 m in size, the outer region is
dark in colour. The asci is up to 20 in number, cylindrical,
generally developing from the inner region of the
pseudoperithecia and mostly connect with each other from a
broad polygonal area. In some cases the asci extend outwards
crossing the external margin of the pseudoperithecia. A rupture
is observed in some specimens in the central polygonal area
bordered by basal parts of the asci. Cucurbitariaceites is
distinguished from all other fossil genera of Microthyriales by
its shape, darker outer layer, in the absence of true paraphyses
and the presence of cylindrical asci. Kalgutkar and Jansonius
(2000), while commenting on this genus, stated that it shows
affinity with the extant family Cucurbitariaceae belonging to
the order Pseudosphaeriales. Most of the members of this
order are confined to tropical areas though some are reported
from temperate regions also.
Tiwari and Tripathi (1995) and Tripathi (2001) described
a diversified fungal assemblage from the Intertrappean beds
(Early Cretaceous) of the Rajmahal Basin, Jharkhand. The
assemblage shows presence of many microthyriaceous fruiting
bodies. Kar et al. (2003) reported a fruiting body assignable to
Polyporaceae (Basidiomycetes) from the Lameta Formation
exposed in Madhya Pradesh. This fossil, called
Lithopolyporales zeerabadensis, resembles the modern genus
Fomes which are found as saprophytes on dead wood of
various trees. Rao (2003) described a new fungal fruiting body
Kalviwadithyrites from Sindhudurg Formation exposed at
Kalviwadi, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra. The
cleistothecium is circular to subcircular in shape, dimidiate,
non-ostiolate; the body made up of two sets of aporate cells,
marginal cells rectangular to polygonal in shape, central cells
isodiametric. Kar et al. (2004a) described a fossil fungus
showing affinity to Colletotrichum Corda, belonging to the
family Melanconiaceae (Deuteromycetes), from an
Intertrappean bed exposed at Mohgaon-Kalan Village,
Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh. The modern species
of this genus causes red rot in the economically important
plants. The fossil of this fungus shows setae on the margins
of the acervuli and was found to be preserved on a leaf cuticle.
It was called Protocolletotrichum deccanensis. Kar et al.
200 THE PALAEOBOTANIST
(2004b) described fossil parasitic fungi and epiphyllous fruiting
bodies from the coprolite of dinosaurs. The coprolite yielding
these fossils was collected from the Lameta Formation
(Maastrichtian) of Central India. Occurrence of these fungi
indicates that the plant leaves infected by the recovered fungi
were part of dinosaurs’ diet.
Mycorrhizal fungi constituted by fungal hyphae, auxillary
cells, chlamydospores and a sporocarp belonging to the family
Glomaceae were reported from Miocene sediments of Mizoram
(Kar et al. 2005). Two types of fossil Ingoldian aquatic fungi
were reported from Miocene sediments of Mizoram ((Kar et al.
2006). The first type of fossil is needle shaped and belongs to
the scolicospores. It is comparable to the extant genus
Tetrachaetum. The other type of fossil, possessing globular
to triangular body, belongs to staurospores and shows
similarity with the extant genus Ceratosporella.
Scope of future studies
During the last four decades, efforts have been made
towards the study of fossil fungi resulting into diverse fungal
reports from almost all Tertiary horizons of India. Sincere efforts
are now required to trace the affinity of these fossils with
extant fungi. Such endeavour will help in elucidating the
palaeoecology and evolutionary trends within this group.
Exploring the stratigraphic significance of fossil fungal taxa is
another inviting task. Host-pathogen interaction is another
aspect, which does not have basic information in the form of
fossil evidence. The interaction of fungi with higher plants
with reference to the palaeobotanical evidences need to be
documented in appropriate manner by exploring more fossil
fungi along with chemical and geological aspects.
Acknowledgements—The authors are thankful to Dr N.C.
Mehrotra, Director, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany,
Lucknow (BSIP), for his constant encouragement and
permission to publish this work. Authors are also thankful to
Dr Neerja Jha, Scientist-F (BSIP) for some feedback and to
Mr P.K. Bajpai, Technical Officer-C (BSIP) for making
illustrations.
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VOLUME 60 (1) 2011
CONTENTS
Indian Fossil Fungi
R.K. Saxena and S.K.M. Tripathi ........................................................................................................ 1
