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VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Occurrence of a new fossil species of the genus Grewia Linn. (Malvaceae) in the Himalayan foot hills of Nepal and its phytogeographical implications
Authors
Vipul Kumar Tiwari, Shivendra Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Prasad
Abstract
Investigation on the plant mega fossil (Leaf impressions) collected
from Churia group (10-12Ma) of western Nepal revealed the presence of a new
fossil species, Grewia arjunkholaensis showing its close affinity with
phytogeographically important extant taxa, Grewia microcos Linn. (Microcos
paniculata Linn.) of the family Malvaceae. The fossil leaf is characterized
by asymmetrical, lanceolate shape, acute apex, obtuse base and acrodromous
imperfect venation pattern. The analysis of present-day distribution of the
comparable species indicates that the present extant species do not grow in the
Himalayan foot hills of India and Nepal, but are presently distributed in the
evergreen forests of other regions where there is more atmospheric
precipitation. This suggests that after rise of Himalaya ,
drier condition was prevailed due to which such moist loving species could not
survive there. Based on the present and past distribution of the comparable
extant species of all the known fossils of genus Grewia, the
phytogeography of the genus has been discussed.
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Pages:69-75
How to cite this article:
Vipul Kumar Tiwari, Shivendra Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Prasad "Occurrence of a new fossil species of the genus <i>Grewia</i> <i>Linn</i>. (Malvaceae) in the Himalayan foot hills of Nepal and its phytogeographical implications". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 69-75
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