Occurrence of fossil bamboo pollen and a fungal conidium of Tetraploa cf. aristata in Upper Miocene deposits of Józefina (Poland)

Abstract

The paper presents results of pollen analysis of the Upper Miocene deposits from a borehole at Józefina (Kraków-Silesia Upland, central Poland), including data concerning bamboo type pollen grains, as well other sporomorphs (pollen, spores and freshwater phytoplankton). Fossil pollen grains of bamboos ( Graminidites bambusoides Stuchlik) were found in two samples, and in one sample they were accompanied by conidium of Tetraploa-like fossil fungus, resembling the recent Tetraploa aristata Berkeley & Broome. This fungus could grow on leaves of the bamboos or other grasses, but also on variety of other plants. Comparison of palynological data, studies of leaf floras and the nearest living relatives, confirmed the connection of the fossil bamboos with wetland, reed and riparian vegetation. Results of these analyses indicate a moderately wet and warm temperate palaeoclimate.