Palaeofloristic assemblages and palaeoecology of the Lower Oligocene Bembridge Marls, Hamstead Ledge, Isle of Wight

A sequence of nine, plant-macrofossil-bearing horizons has been recognized in the Lower Oligocene from the Isle of Wight, England. The plant fossils are contained in finely laminated, olive-brown to black silty-clays and clays. Some horizons exhibit rhythmic alternation of sediment couplets; others show evidence of bioturbation and rootlet penetration. These horizons are included within a sequence of finely laminated greenish grey silty-clays and clays, largely devoid of plant macrofossil material. The plant-bearing horizons contain abundant fruits, seeds, fern sporangia, Azolla megaspores, and rare leaves. The nearest living relatives of the fossils all inhabit an aquatic or marginal aquatic environment. The associated fossil fauna includes lake bottom and lake margin species. The palynoflora of the plant-bearing and immediately underlying horizons includes large numbers of planktonic algae and limited representatives of a forest vegetation. It shows a strong relationship between the occurrences of Sparganiaceaepollenites pollen and of Typha macrofossils. Palaeoecological interpretations of this plant-fossil-bearing sequence are discussed with particular reference to modern environments. One new genus and three new species are described. Emendations are presented for four other species. Stratiotes leaf margin teeth are described.