Morpho-cuticular study of Glossopteris stenoneura Feistmantel from the Barakar Formation of Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal

Abstract

The morphological and cuticular features of well-preserved leaves of Glossopteris stenoneura Feistmantel collected from Barakar Formation of Churulia area, Raniganj Coalfield are analyzed. The study indicates that spathulate shaped leaves are distinct in having narrow-elongate trapezoidal meshes near the midrib and short, narrow meshes near the margin of leaves. Cuticle is amphistomatic, the surface of upper cuticle characteristically shows fine striations over the vein area. Stomata are anomocytic, ovalelongate with cutinized guard cells. Subsidiary cells of lower cuticle demonstrate papillae overhanging stomata.