A new fossil leaf of Kleinhovia L. from the early Eocene of India and its palaeoclimatic and phytogeographical significance

This study reports a new fossil leaf of Kleinhovia L., Kleinhovia bikanerensis sp. nov., from the Eocene clay mine of the Marh Formation of Bikaner, Rajasthan. The leaf resembling Kleinhovia hospita L. of the family Malvaceae is described for the first time from India. The leaf is characterized by very wide ovate shape, basal actinodromous venation with seven primary veins and cordate base. The presence of this leaf fossil indicates tropical warm and humid climatic conditions prevailing in the area during the Eocene and throws light on its past and present distribution.