Late Triassic megaspores from the Amery Group, Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica

Abstract

Cantrill, D. J., & Drinnan, A. N., 1994:03:28. Late Triassic megaspores from the Amery Group, Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica. Alcheringa 18, 71–78. ISSN 0311-5518.

Megaspores referable to the genera Cabochonicus Batten & Ferguson 1987 and Minerisporites Potonié 1956 are a common component of the palaeoflora recovered from the Jetty Member within the Flagstone Bench Formation of the Amery Group. The known ranges of these two genera, in conjunction with the macrofloral remains, suggest a Late Triassic age. Two new species, Cabochonicus sinuosus and Minerisporites triangulatus, are described. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the spores indicates that standard palynological treatment of megaspores can result in sculptural degradation, possibly leading to incorrect generic assignment.

Keywords:

• Megaspores
• Cabochonicus
• Minerisporites
• Late Triassic
• Antarctica