Lepidopteris

Lepidopteris is a genus of extinct plants belonging to the seed fern group. Fossils of Lepidopteris are found in Mesozoic rocks, particularly from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. These plants are characterized by their distinctive fronds, which bear resemblance to those of modern ferns but are structurally different, reflecting their evolutionary lineage. The leaves of Lepidopteris were pinnately compound, meaning they were divided into smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem.

The name Lepidopteris is derived from Greek words, with "lepis" meaning scale and "pteron" meaning wing or feather, likely referring to the scale-like structures sometimes observed on the foliage or reproductive parts. The reproductive structures of Lepidopteris were seed-bearing, classifying it as a seed fern. These ancient plants played a role in the flora of the Mesozoic era, contributing to the diverse plant communities of the time. Paleobotanical studies of Lepidopteris fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of seed plants and the ancient environments they inhabited. The distribution of Lepidopteris fossils across different continents suggests widespread populations during the Mesozoic.