Meripteris

Meripteris is a genus of extinct ferns that lived during the Carboniferous period. These plants are primarily known from fossilized fronds, which are often preserved in great detail in coal deposits. The name Meripteris is derived from Greek words, likely referring to the characteristic structure of its fronds.

Fossil specimens of Meripteris display a pinnately compound frond, meaning the fronds were divided into smaller leaflets, or pinnae, which were themselves further divided. The venation pattern within the fronds is a key characteristic used for identification and classification. Meripteris fronds often exhibit a delicate, lace-like appearance, with finely divided pinnae.

The specific ecological niche and reproductive strategies of Meripteris are not fully understood due to the limitations of the fossil record. However, its presence in Carboniferous flora suggests it was part of the lush, swampy forests that dominated the Earth at that time. These forests were major contributors to the formation of coal seams. The exact taxonomic placement of Meripteris within the broader classification of ferns is subject to ongoing research and interpretation by paleobotanists.