The Rhaetian flora of Wüstenwelsberg, Bavaria, Germany: Description of selected gymnosperms (Ginkgoales, Cycadales, Coniferales) together with an ecological assessment of the locally prevailing vegetation

This paper describes the ginkgoaleans (Ginkgoites) and conifers (Palissya, Stachyotaxus, Schizolepis) of Rhaetian flora from Wüstenwelsberg, as well a new species cycad Becklesia. The ginkgophyte leaf fragments are very abundant in certain levels (‘Blätterkohle‘) whereas common main fossiliferous bed. Wüstenwelsberg specimens extend range for Ginkgoites taeniatus Hettangian to genus Becklesia Cretaceous Rhaetian. other elements typical floras Bavaria often also Northern Hemisphere. A comparison with Hemisphere plant assemblages demonstrates high similarity Jameson Land (Greenland) Scania (Sweden) but significant differences adjacent areas Franconia, especially at sometimes generic level. microflora same sections shows hidden diversity that is highest small herbaceous plants (mosses, lycophytes, ferns) conifers. reflects, thus, an articulated landscape water nutrients availability (stagnant bodies and/or river systems) covered by complex multi-storeyed vegetation shown, among others, general abundance hygrophytic spores various groups. must have corresponded one humid episodes characterized generally warm arid climate Europe.