ISSN:
1617-6278
Keywords:
Holocene
;
Azolla nilotica spores
;
Palynology
;
Nile Delta
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Archaeology
,
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Megaspores, microspores and massulae of the free-floating fern, Azolla nilotica, were found in Late Holocene sediments obtained by coring in the eastern Nile Delta. Nowadays, the nearest station for this fern is southern Sudan. The determination of the species is based on spiny projections on the megaspore body and on the verrucate microspores. Palynological studies reveal that the habitat of the fern consisted of extensive papyrus marshes, now disappeared. Several causes for the disappearance of the fern from the Nile Delta are proposed amongst which the most probable is human influence which has completely modified the vegetation and the hydrology.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00190700
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