Article: Flora of the Wealden plant debris beds of England

Descriptions are presented of forty-one cuticle species, all of probable gymnosperm origin, from the English Wealden. The distribution of these species and other plant remains within seventy-one plant debris beds from the Dorset, Isle of Wight, and Sussex Wealden is analysed. Significant groupings and associations, which to some extent reflect the differing ages of the material examined and perhaps also association in nature, are detailed together with stratigraphic conclusions. Palynological data from thirty of the samples show that miospore content is not directly related to the diversity and preservation state of the cuticle assemblage. The character of the plant debris beds suggests a probable origin in a delta top and/or shore-face and delta-front environment. The Wealden flora may be compared with certain aspects of the vegetation of southern Florida.