Retispora lepidophyta
Retispora lepidophyta is an extinct spore produced by ancient lycophyte plants. It is an important biostratigraphic marker for the latest Devonian period. In Belgium and other regions, the last appearance of Retispora lepidophyta helps define the Devonian–Mississippian boundary. The spore has a distinctive look: it is trilete (three-rayed), reticulate (net-like), with a “fried egg” appearance—the inner area is darker than the outer zone. In older fossil records it is also known as Hymenozonotriletes lepidophytus or Spelaeotriletes lepidophytus. Taxonomically, it lies within the plant kingdom, among lycophytes, with the family placement within the order Selaginellales listed as incertae sedis.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:08 (CET).