Discovery of Cathaya (Pinaceae) pollen from the Pliocene Koka Formation, Kobiwako Group, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

Cathaya (Pinaceae) pollen was discovered from the Pliocene Koka Formation of the Kobiwako Group, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The pollen morphology was examined with the light and scanning electron microscopes. The characteristics indicate that the bisaccate pollen is Cathaya. This discovery suggests that further study on the pollen flora of the Plio-Pleistocene Kobiwako Group will clarifythe disappearance process and horizon of Cathaya in the area with relation to the climate change.