An English Wealden floral list, with comments on possible environmental indicators

An up-to-date floral list of well-authenticated species is presented for the Lower Cretaceous, Wealden succession of England. Elements of the flora are assessed for evidence of Wealden climate and environments. Modes of preservation and plant reconstructions, as well as structural and morphological features of plant organs are used in assessment. The frequent preservation of some plants as fossil charcoal, and the occurrence of certain specialized features resembling those found today amongst fire-climax communities, suggest that fire was sometimes an important environmental factor. Growth rings in secondary wood indicate a degree of seasonality and many botanical features point strongly to the occurrence of periods of aridity.