Peat-forming plants in the Maastrichtian coals of the Eastern Pyrenees

摘要: The Lower Maastrichtian of Fumanya and neighbouring localities the Vallcebre syncline (Eastern Pyrenees, Catalonia) provide first taphonomic evidence for hypothesis that cheirolepidiacean conifers were significant precursors Pyrenean coal. Most Frenelopsis-rich lignite beds do not bear rootlet marks, suggesting original peat was detrital. Sedimentological indicates deposition in margins a lagoon after transport remains by flotation. same parautochtonous assemblage includes complete impressions Sabalites longirhachis leaves large logs attributed to palm trees. Other parautochthonous or allochthonous plant megaremains include extremely rare cycadalean monocot abundant minute angiosperm seeds. Rootlet marks associated with thin occur at top some charophyte limestones. association, dominated situ accumulation Peckichara Microchara gyrogonites, suggests these limestones deposited shallow, freshwater lakes corresponding mires limnic rather than paralic nature. botanical affinity root-bearing lignites is uncertain. Palynological analysis showed bisaccates, less fern spores algal oospores. Locally, brush-like rooting structures palms. Our results show that, beginning Maasrichtian, still peat-producing plants, although, unlike analogous Cretaceous ones, they shared this role angiosperms, such as