An Exclusive Schizoneura Forest: An Emblematic Late Permian Marsh Ecosystem

Altogether eighty one (81) impressions of slender leafy axes of Schizoneura gondwanensis were reported in ferruginous shales from Lower Kamthi sediments exposed in a very remote locality near Korbahal Village, Sundargarh District, Ib River Lower Gondwana basin, Odisha, India. Different aspects of Schizoneura, one of the imperative equisetalean genera of the Indian Lower Gondwana flora, have been discussed in this article. The speciation and morphology of this genus are also described. Further, a review of previous work on this genus is summarized for a clear understanding of its form, habit, diversity, origin, evolution and extinction. An attempt has also been made to reconstruct the plant of Schizoneura. Palaeoclimate during Late Permian is also summarized. The climate was comparatively warm and highly humid and thus quite suitable for luxuriant plant growth. However, the red bed facies of the ferruginous sandstones indicate seasonal variability of dry spells and semi-arid conditions. An attempt has also been made to reconstruct palaeovegetation of the investigated locality. A forest of hydrophytic plants, dominated by Schizoneura gondwanensis developed luxuriantly under warm and highly humid conditions in a marsh ecosystem in general and possibly around a large pond in particular.