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79ei CMIA NWEALTH F AUSTRALIA DEPARTMEN OF NATOONAL ID) EVELO ip, ment ME3 CIT RAL EKRUM, @ID OGY PHY40TS RECORDS 1967/162 REPORT ON -1967 COLLECTION OF

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1 79ei CMIA NWEALTH F AUSTRALIA DEPARTMEN OF NATOONAL ID) EVELO ip, ment ME3 CIT RAL OGY PHY40TS RECORDS 1967/162 REPORT ON COLLECTION OF PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE SURAT BASIN, QUEENSLAND. by Mary E. White airtl P2 a3 ZSAUG 196f 11W 11.Goh moon Ikas kew 00114TIN (Or ravtratwol Waikoxmil T*Ve3/440)1MIn potikr 4Go Comornxoxrwk,O) bowowfwcni aco 4.x.s.41%g Vi@mpkwaocon amori glpwkopi-n)wg movra prourco., ft. GINO WA. pgboaniadi 611i) 40), korm oigicvl Oct 4.1 konvev pockamtwp, cor g ewir-wri wo'401-ma t1bv promoftinvo wotouta qlhv RATTOcrro Deirgom nimorkl) kkftgunte4.,evarov Lc.,/ivoyclik-&

REPORT ON 1967 COLLECTION OF PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE SURAT BASIN L_QUEENSLAND by Mary E. White Records 1967/162 CONTENTS SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION 1 I.

LOCALITY SB 379 16 REFERENCES 18 The information contained in this report has been obtained by the Department of National Development, as part of the policy of the Commonwealth Government, to

2 REPORT ON 1967 COLLECTION OF PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE SURAT BASIN L_QUEENSLAND by Mary E. White Records 1967/162 CONTENTS SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION 1 I. LOCALITY SB Page II. LOCALITY SB III. LOCALITY SB IV. LOCALITY SB V. LOCALITY SB VI. LOCALITY SB VII. LOCALITY SB VIII. LOCALITY SB REFERENCES 18 The information contained in this report has been obtained by the Department of National Development, as part of the policy of the Commonwealth Government, to assist in the exploration and development of mineral resources. It may not be published in any form or used in a company prospectus without the permission in writing of the Director, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics.

REPORT ON 1967 COLLECTION OF PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE SURAT BASIN by Mary E. White SUMMARY in 1967.

Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous. At locality Sb 620 a very interesting, small, herbaceous Equisetalean occurs preserved in situ.

3 REPORT ON 1967 COLLECTION OF PLANT FOSSILS FROM THE SURAT BASIN by Mary E. White SUMMARY in Plant fossils were collected at eight localities in the Surat Basin At locality SB 617 a species so far only recorded from Upper Triassic strata is present, associated with forms which range through Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous. At locality Sb 620 a very interesting, small, herbaceous Equisetalean occurs preserved in situ. It is believed to be a new species and is provicionally named Neocalamites nuda. It is presumed to be of Jurassic age. An excellently preserved Jurassic flora is present at locality SB 978. At locality SB 501 a Lower Cretaceous species is found. Plants with general Mesozoic distribution occur at locality SB 378 and at locality SB 379. A fertile fern at locality SB 379 may be a new species. Indeterminate plants occur at locality SB 348 and at locality SB 371. INTRODUCTION The 1967 collection from the Surat Basin is of particular interest as there are many stratigraphical problems to solve in the area. Preservation of most of the material is good. A representative selection is figured. DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION I. LOCALITY SB 617 Locality: Chinchilla Sheet area; 2 miles S.W. of Kowguran Telephone Office. Military Grid Reference 302, 706. Field information: "Probably Uppermost Orallo Formation. Contains a fossil tree in situ". Specimen nos. F F Figured specimens, F 2282 remainder of specimens. These specimens are fine grained grey mudstone with plant impressions mostly shown in perfect detail as delicate white etchings. Preservation is excellent.

-2-- Three specimens are illustrated to show the three species identified:- (a) Specimen F 22879, Figure 1 Part of a Taeniopteroid leaf 4.5 cm long and 2.

The lateral veins arise more or less at right angles to the midrib, then bend slightly upwards to the leaf margins.

This leaf is referable to the "Taeniopteris dunstani" of Walkom (1917), a species which occurs throughout the Ipswich Series in Queensland, from the base to near the middle of the Aberdare shales at

4 -2-- Three specimens are illustrated to show the three species identified:- (a) Specimen F 22879, Figure 1 Part of a Taeniopteroid leaf 4.5 cm long and 2.25 cm wide is seen in the middle of the specimen. It has a prominent, vertically striated midrib.2 cm wide. The lateral veins arise more or less at right angles to the midrib, then bend slightly upwards to the leaf margins. They are parallel and fork at or near the midrib and some fork again near the leaf margin. They run into a clearly defined marginal vein. This leaf is referable to the "Taeniopteris dunstani" of Walkom (1917), a species which occurs throughout the Ipswich Series in Queensland, from the base to near the middle of the Aberdare shales at the top of the Series. "Paeniopteris dunstani" is also recorded from Triassic strata at Leighs Creek in South Australia. Taeniopteroid leaves with a marginal vein are now referred to the Genus Yabiella Oishi (Oishi, 1931). 'Taeniopteris dunstani" is included in Yabiella mareyesiaca Oishi, described from the Rhaetic of the Argentine. It closely resembles Yabiella brackebuschiana (Kurtz) which also occurs in the Ipswich Series, in the Rhaetic of the Argentine and in Middle - Upper Triassic strata in South Africa. Figure 1, Negative F/5267 Yabiella mareyesiaca Oishi and Elatocladus planus Feist. Natural size.

-3 (b) Specimen F 22880, Figure 2 shows Yabiella mareyesiaca Oishi and a frond of the Conifer

The Conifer shows the median vein of pinnules and their spiral arrangement on the rachis.

5 -3 (b) Specimen F 22880, Figure 2 shows Yabiella mareyesiaca Oishi and a frond of the Conifer Elatocladus planus Feist. The Conifer shows the median vein of pinnules and their spiral arrangement on the rachis. Conifer foliage of this type is very common in Triassic and Jurassis strata and persists into Lower Cretaceous. In Figure 2A a small portion of spceimen F is magnified X4 to show a clear part of the marginal vein (at arrowhead). Figure 2, Negative F/5283 Yabiella mareyesiaca Oishi and Elatocladus planus Feist Magnification X2 Figure 2A, Negative F/5277 Yabiella, fragment showing marginal vein Magnification X4

-- 4 - (c) Specimen F 22881, Figure 3 shows delicate fronds of the fern Cladophlebis australis (Morm) which ranges from Triassic to Lower Cretaceous.

) Natural size Age of the plant assemblage: Upper Triassic (or possibly Jurassic) The presence of Yabiella mareyesiaca suggests that the specimens are Middle-Upper

It must be borne in mind that Yabiella may yet be recoghisad among Taeniopteroid leaves of Jurassic age.

6 (c) Specimen F 22881, Figure 3 shows delicate fronds of the fern Cladophlebis australis (Morm) which ranges from Triassic to Lower Cretaceous. Figure 3, NmAtive F/5275 Cladophlebis australis (Morr.) Natural size Age of the plant assemblage: Upper Triassic (or possibly Jurassic) The presence of Yabiella mareyesiaca suggests that the specimens are Middle-Upper Triassic in age. Although Taeniopteroid leaves are very abundant in Jurassic strata, those with a marginal vein - i.e. Yabiella - are not recorded from beds younger than Rhaetic. It must be borne in mind that Yabiella may yet be recoghisad among Taeniopteroid leaves of Jurassic age. Often preservation is such that details of marginal vein might not be noticed. It is not impossible that Yabiella survived into Jurassic times. II. LOCALITY SB 348 Locality: Chinchilla Sheet, near Cadarga Dip. Military Grid Reference 396, 757. Field information: "Evergreen Formation or older". Specimen no. F Indeterminate plant fragments. Age: Indeterminate.

5 III. LOCALITY SB 501 Locality:Surat Sheet area, 20 miles South of Meandarra. Military Grid Reference 280, 573.

f 22884 and F 22885 Figured F 22886 remainder of specimens These specimens contain many good impressions of leaflets of

7 5 III. LOCALITY SB 501 Locality:Surat Sheet area, 20 miles South of Meandarra. Military Grid Reference 280, 573. Field information: "Griman Creek Formation". Specimen nos.f and F Figured F remainder of specimens These specimens contain many good impressions of leaflets of Phyllopteris lanceolata Walkom The characteristic venation, leaf form and size range make identification with the specimens described by Walkom (1919) certain. Figure 4 of specimen F shows a well preserved leaflet of the species, and Figure 5 of specimen F shows part of another leaflet with an elongated petiole. None of the leaflets in the specimens are joined in compound arrangement. Figure 4, Negative F/5274 Phyllopteris lanceolata Walk. Natural size

-6-- Figure 5, Negative F/5270 Phyllopteris lanceolata Walk.

Indeterminate stem casts and impressions may represent the woody parts of Phyllopteris plants.

LOCALITY SB 620 Locality: Chinchilla Sheet area; 2 miles ESE of Giligulgul.

8 -6-- Figure 5, Negative F/5270 Phyllopteris lanceolata Walk. Leaflet with petiole Magnification X2 00 There are no other plant species associated with the Phyllopteris leaflets. Indeterminate stem casts and impressions may represent the woody parts of Phyllopteris plants. Age: The presence of Phyllopteris lanceolata Wallsom indicates a Lower Cretaceous age for the fossil horizon. IV. LOCALITY SB 620 Locality: Chinchilla Sheet area; 2 miles ESE of Giligulgul. Military Grid Reference 300, 725 Field information: Lowermost Orallo Formation. Age Jurassic. Specimen nos.: F 22887, F 22888, F and F figured specimens. F remainder of collection. These specimens contain large numbers of impressions of fine stems, averaging.1 cm wide, which are regularly noded to give each the appearance of a string of small, elongated beads. Each node is widest at the top an

7 elongated droplet shape and they vary in length between.2 cm and.5 cm.

Close examination discloses that they are not branching, merely crossing. Figure 6 of specimen F 22887 shows the beaded form of the strands. (Magnified X3).

There are a few wider stem impressions averaging.

9 7 elongated droplet shape and they vary in length between.2 cm and.5 cm. The fine strands cross and recross each other on the bedding planes of the specimens so that they appear to be branching in all directions. Close examination discloses that they are not branching, merely crossing. Figure 6 of specimen F shows the beaded form of the strands. (Magnified X3). Figure 6, Negative F/5286 Fine noded strands Magnification X3 A representative selection of specimens is illustrated in Figures 7-9. There are a few wider stem impressions averaging.3 cm among the fine strands, and some of these show attachment of the fine strands in whorls, apparently three to five at a node. Specimen F 22888, illustrated in Figure 7 shows a whorl of strands and also a median sulcus on the thicker stem. There are also some more substantial stems seen as casts passing through the specimens at right angles to the mass of fine threads on fracture surfaces. One of these, with diameter of.4 cm, shows vertical

10 -8 - ribbing on its surface. Figure 8 of specimen F shows this stem at the left of the figure (ringed). Figure 7, Negative F/5282 Noded strands attached in whorls on thicker stem with median sulcus. Magnification X2

9 Figure 8, Negative F/5269 Ribbed stem cast at right angles to fine strands.

Magnification X2 Some of the vertical stem casts have whorls of branches attached to them

The small segments of the fine strands are very finely striated vertically.

11 9 Figure 8, Negative F/5269 Ribbed stem cast at right angles to fine strands. Unsegmented rootlet at right of figure. Magnification X2 Some of the vertical stem casts have whorls of branches attached to them lying on the horizontal planes of the specimens. The small segments of the fine strands are very finely striated vertically. The medium sized stems to which the fine strands are attached show no ribbing but some show a median sulcus. Figure 9 of specimen F shows another example of fine strands arising in whorls on a thicker stem.

Figure 9, Negative F/5279 Whorl of strands Magnification X2 In addition to the finely noded stems which comprise most of the plant material in these specimens, there are a few examples of very fine,

The plant which is seen in these specimens as erect stems in situ with shorls of segmented branches arising at the nodes is Equisetalean in character. There is no evidence of leaf sheaths at all.

The median sulcus of medium sized stems is consistent with hollow internodes and the quite prominent ribbing seen on the cast of one of large erect stems (seen in Figure 8) is consistent with an

12 Figure 9, Negative F/5279 Whorl of strands Magnification X2 In addition to the finely noded stems which comprise most of the plant material in these specimens, there are a few examples of very fine, unsegmented organs which branch by giving off lateral forks. These organs are presumably rootlets. In Figure 8 of specimen F one such branching, usegmented organ is seen in the marked rectangle. The plant which is seen in these specimens as erect stems in situ with shorls of segmented branches arising at the nodes is Equisetalean in character. There is no evidence of leaf sheaths at all. Minute examination of nodes reveals no trace even of reduced, hair like appendages. The median sulcus of medium sized stems is consistent with hollow internodes and the quite prominent ribbing seen on the cast of one of large erect stems (seen in Figure 8) is consistent with an internal cast of an Equisetalean stem which is quite smooth on the outside. Appart from the absence of leaves, the structure conforms with the genus Neocalamites, from which it has presumably been derived. In its very small size and the presumably photosynthetic nature of the fine strands it differs markedly from other Equisetaleans. It appears to be worthy of a new specific designation and the name Neocalamites nuda is proposed. A diagrammatic reconstruction of the habit of the plant is seen in

reduced, herbaceous form, a Jurassic age is postulated for the specimens. V.

13 1 1 Figure 10 (Text figure) Neocalamites nuda n. sp. As Neocalamites is a Rhaetic genus and Neocalamites nude has evolved from orthodox type species to become a reduced, herbaceous form, a Jurassic age is postulated for the specimens. V. LOCALITY SB 371 Locality: 1 mile North of Sarum Homestead. Military Grid Reference: 447, 696 Field information: "Evergreen Formation. Lower Jurassic." Specimens:F Indeterminate stems Aml.Indeterminate.

VI. LOCALITY SB 378 Field information: S ecimens: 300,,yardsl,North West _Of SB. 620 21. Miles east-south=east of Giligulgul. Military Grid. Reference: 299,.725. "Basal Oran Formation".

) are associated with indeterminate, fragmetns bf macerated plant _material 'and. indeterminate-.stem casts. Cladophrebis australis'range '-ifrome.triasbic,-; thro:ugh.

14 VI. LOCALITY SB 378 Field information: S ecimens: 300,,yardsl,North West _Of SB Miles east-south=east of Giligulgul. Military Grid. Reference: 299,.725. "Basal Oran Formation" These are poorly preserved, soft specimens containing fragmentary Plant remains. Pinnules of Cla.dophlebis. australis (Morr. ) are associated with indeterminate, fragmetns bf macerated plant _material 'and. indeterminate-.stem casts. Cladophrebis australis'range '-ifrome.triasbic,-; thro:ugh. Jurassic, and into Lower Cretaceous. Aiw_ Mesozoic VII. LOCALITY SB 978 Locality : Field. information: Specimen nos. 2- miles South:, bf Nangrani Lagoon. Milit.a.ry- Grid'Rèference: "Orallo Formation". F22894, 'F 22895, FL 22906, F 22907/ F ' F illustrated F 22909, F and' F referred to in text. F remainder) Of specimens. These, well preserved specimens contain an interesting, plant assemblage. - The,following species are identified:- (a) PteraE12 z_r_ llu thorsti:, (Seward), seen in Figure 11f specimen F This is a Jurassic form described from Europe, and, it :occurs in the Walloon Series in Queensland. It. was, Collected: in::1963 rand:, (,19,65.from the Moolayember 'Formation. (Records 1964/7 and 1966/111.).

- 1 3 Figure 11 Negative F/5272 Pterophyllum nathorsti (Seward) Natural size (b) Taeniopteris

They are referred to the form species spatulata as there is no evidence of complete size or size

spatulata is very common in Jurassic strata.

15 - 1 3 Figure 11 Negative F/5272 Pterophyllum nathorsti (Seward) Natural size (b) Taeniopteris spatulata McClell. Figure 12 of specimen F 2895 shows part of three narrow Taeniopteroid leaves. They are referred to the form species spatulata as there is no evidence of complete size or size range of a sufficient number of leaves to warrant other specific identification. T. spatulata is very common in Jurassic strata. On the reverse side of specimen F are some sterile pinnules of Cladophlebis australis Morr. Figure 12 Negative F/5288 Taeniopteris spatulata McClell Natural size

- 14 - (c) Taeniopteris crassinervis (Feist) is illustrated in Figure 13 of F 22906.

specimen. The silicified stems associated with it are indeterminate.

It is a component of the Rajmahal flora in India, indicating that it is a longranging species which persists into Cretaceous.

16 (c) Taeniopteris crassinervis (Feist) is illustrated in Figure 13 of F Portion of a leaf showing a midrib and strong parallel secondary venation at rielt angles to it is seen at the top of the specimen. The silicified stems associated with it are indeterminate. Taeniopteris crassinervis occurs in the Walloon series in Queensland. It is a component of the Rajmahal flora in India, indicating that it is a longranging species which persists into Cretaceous. Figure 13, Negative F/5278 Taeniopteris crassinervis (Feist) Natural siz (d) Ptilophyllum pecten (Phill.) - Figure 14 of specimen F shows several fronds of the species, which is very common in Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous strata. Figure 14, Negative F/5271 Ptilophyllum pecten (Phill.) Natural size

1 5 (e) Podozamites gracilis (Arber). Figure 15 of specimen F 22908 shows an excellent example of the species.

Figure 15, Negative F/5276 Podozamites gracilis (Arber) t4 akes (f) Hausmannia sp.

Such ferns are common in Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. (g) Fertile fern pinnules are illustrated in Figure 16 of specimen F 22910.

17 1 5 (e) Podozamites gracilis (Arber). Figure 15 of specimen F shows an excellent example of the species. With only one specimen might be a small example of Podozamites lanceolata L. & H. which is also common in Jurassic strata. Figure 15, Negative F/5276 Podozamites gracilis (Arber) t4 akes (f) Hausmannia sp. In specimen F and on the reverse side of F is a fragment of a Dipteridinous fern. It is too incomplete for close identification. Such ferns are common in Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. (g) Fertile fern pinnules are illustrated in Figure 16 of specimen F Portions of six pinnules are seen with large son i in rows on either side of the midrib. This fragment is probably referable to Cladophlebis australis (Morr.). The large contiguous soni are of Asterotheca type. Figure 16, Negative F/5280 Fertile pinnules Cladophlebis australis Magnification X2 rnt.iik

- 16- (h) Poorly preserved?phyllopteris leaf, marked on specimen F 22911 shows insufficient detail of venation for positive identification.

In specimen F 22912, in which preservation is not good enough to make photography satisfactory, the following species occur:- (i) Elatocladus planus (Feist) (j) Ginkgo digitata Brong.

Of Pine View Homestead Military Grid Reference: 447, 697 Field information: "EVergreen'Formation".

18 - 16- (h) Poorly preserved?phyllopteris leaf, marked on specimen F shows insufficient detail of venation for positive identification. It might equally well be referred to Imenopteris or Linguifolium. Leaves of thia general type have a Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous distribution. ( 1 ), (k), (1). In specimen F 22912, in which preservation is not good enough to make photography satisfactory, the following species occur:- (i) Elatocladus planus (Feist) (j) Ginkgo digitata Brong. (k) Cladophlebis australis (Morr. (1) Pinnules of Sphenopteris sp. Age: The plant assemblage seen at locality SB 978 is of Jurassic age. VIII. LOCALITY SB_312 Locality: 1 mile S.E. Of Pine View Homestead Military Grid Reference: 447, 697 Field information: "EVergreen'Formation". Specimens: F and F Illustrated F specimens with casts and impressions of stems F remainder of collection. The casts and impressions of stems in this material are mainly indeterminate. Some show coarse Vertical ribbing and may be Equisetalean. In specimen F a fern frond with very regular pinnae almost at right angles to the rachis, is associated with small coniferous branches. Figure 17 illustrates this specimen. The conifer is refereable to Brachyphyllum angustum Walkom. The fern is of Cladophlebis type but secondary venation is not clearly preserved.

1 7 Figure 17, Negative F/5273 Cladophlebis sp.

Natural size In specimen F 22917, seen in Figure 18, a small portion of a

Small son i occur as circular depressions in rows on either side of the

19 1 7 Figure 17, Negative F/5273 Cladophlebis sp. and Brachyphyllum angustum Walk. Natural size In specimen F 22917, seen in Figure 18, a small portion of a frond of the fern in a fertile state is present. Small son i occur as circular depressions in rows on either side of the midrib on each pinnule. This the fertile phase is of typical Cladophlebis character. Figure 18, Negative F/5268 Fertile pinnules of Cladophlebis sp. Magnification X2 lisicaes

- 18 - The species of the Cladophlebis fronds is not yet established.

individual appearance not consistent with recorded species. There would seem to be no variation in pinnule form in fertile and sterile phase.

20 The species of the Cladophlebis fronds is not yet established. The very regular arrangement and size of the pinnules, their constant angle with the_rachis, the strongly decurrent laminae and the arrangement of the son i in fertile examples give the fronds an individual appearance not consistent with recorded species. There would seem to be no variation in pinnule form in fertile and sterile phase. Further review of literature may indicate that a new species is warranted. Fronds of this sort have Mesozoic distribution and cannot be used for accurate dating. The Brachvphyllum angustum identified is not diagnostic of precise age either. It might represent small twigs of any species of Brachyphyllum. A Mesozoic age is indicated. Age: Mesozoic REFERENCES OISHI, S., On Fraxinopsis Wieland and Yabiella Oishi, gen. nov. Jap. Jra. Geol. Geog. 8, 4; WALKOM, A.B Mesozoic floras of Queensland. Part 1, ctd. Floras of the Ipswich and Walloon Series. Qld. Geol. Surv. Publ WALKOK, A.B., Mesozoic floras of Queensland. Parts 3 and 4 Floras of the Burrum and Styx River Series. 'ed. Geol. Surv. Publ. 263.

BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES' GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS. t

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. BUREAU OF MINERAL RESOURCES' GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS. t (C6litAf RECORDS. 1963/33 REPORT ON EAST BOWEN BASIN PLANT FOSSIL COLLECTIONS, 1962