The Maeotian and Chersonian palaeofloristic assemblage is the first to be described for the Scythian
Platform. The Chersonian palynological assemblage belongs to the Balta-Păun Formation and is
dominated by the Pseudoschizaea genus, indicating a lacustrine/deltaic environment. The same
biotope is revealed by the Hydrosporis, Sparganium and Nymphaea genera. In addition to these
taxa, pollen of Tilia, Ilex, Castanea, Eucommia, vegetation occupying the middle altitude hilly areas
around the sedimentation basin, has also been identified. Gymnosperms are poorly represented in
the palynological assemblage, only rare specimens of the Pinus and Picea having been identified.
The fossil leaves described in the present paper originate from the Mînzaţi locality and are Maeotian
in age. Seven taxa were determined, the largest belonging to the Ulmus and the Carpinus genera,
which have formed a mixed mesophytic forest.
The palaeoclimate was deducted based on the palaeoflora identified using the "Coexistence
Approach" method.
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