First fossil evidence of <i>Palaeocarya</i> (Engelhardioideae: Juglandaceae) from India and its biogeographical implications

Even though presently indigenous to eastern Himalaya in India, no Engelhardioideae have been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India till date. Here, we report first Indian occurrence a characteristic engelhardioid winged samaroid fruit having tri-lobed wing (oblong-ovate median lobe and two lateral lobes) globose nut latest Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) Chotanagpur Plateau, India. This is fossil evidence relict family Juglandaceae Cenozoic. We determine its taxonomic position on basis detailed macromorphological comparison with similar extant specimens discuss palaeoclimatic significance terms present-day distribution modern analogous species. assign this Pliocene specimen morphogenus Palaeocarya sect. Monocosta Manchester describe it as new species, namely indica Hazra, Hazra M & Khan sp. nov. has rich records Europe, North America, Asia (China, Korea), but analog, Engelhardia, native only neighboring Southeast Asia. possible causes disappearance Engelhardia vegetation Plateau. Its may be related gradual intensification monsoonal rainfall seasonality since Pliocene. also review detail biogeographic history suggest migration routes.