Article: Anatomy and palaeoecology of Pseudofrenelopsis and associated conifers in the English Wealden

Among the preserved woody debris associated with the fossil conifer Pseudofrenetopsis parceramosa (Fontaine) Watson from a deposit in the Wealden of the Isle of Wight, three wood types have been characterized. One corticated twig with internal structure preserved, has provided good evidence that one of the woods belonged to Pseudofrenelopsis. This wood, which is of the Protopodocarpoxylon type, is represented by both mineralized and fusainized specimens and a comparison ofthese supports the view that the fusain was formed by charring. A preliminary analysis of the woody debrisat the nearby 'Pine Raff deposit reveals a similar but not identical assemblage of woods. The palaeoecological implications of the results are discussed.