Palynology from the Foura Sandstone type section, Timor-Leste, and late Ladinian–Carnian (Middle–Upper Triassic) vegetation reconstruction from NW Australia

Abstract

A palynological analysis of the basinal volcaniclastic turbiditic Foura Sandstone Member within the Babulu Formation in Timor-Leste reveals rich assemblages including well-preserved material that correlates with the upper Ladinian–Carnian upper Staurosaccites quadrifidus–?lower Samaropollenites speciosus spore-pollen zones of Australia. The high diversity of conifer pollen in these assemblages indicates an association with microfloras from comparable latitudinal zones within Gondwana and an affiliation with the Onslow paleobiogeographic floral belt. The relationship between pollen and megafloral associations highlights the ecological flexibility of conifers, and their preeminent role in Triassic Gondwanan vegetation. The assemblages from the Foura Sandstone, including the new species Cadargasporites helbyi, Cadargasporites timorensis and Planctonites? comasii, point to the high diversity of vegetation in the area and the need for further studies.