LATE TRIASSIC MEGASPORES FROM THE AMERY GROUP, PRINCE-CHARLES-MOUNTAINS, EAST ANTARCTICA

Megaspores referable to the genera Cabochonicus Batten & Ferguson 1987 and Minerisporites Potonie 1956 are a common component of the palaeof lora recovered from the Jetty Member within the Flagstone Bench Format ion of the Amery Group. The known ranges of these two genera, in conju nction with the macrofloral remains, suggest a Late Triassic age. Two new species, Cabochonicus sinuosus and Minerisporites triangulatus, ar e described. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the spores i ndicates that standard palynological treatment of megaspores can resul t in sculptural degradation, possibly leading to incorrect generic ass ignment.