This is the “Fossil Friday” post #293.  Expect this to be a regular feature of the website.  We will post fossil pictures you send in to esconi.info@gmail.com.  Please include a short description or story.  Check the #FossilFriday Bluesky/Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!

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We have a couple rare and beautiful cones from the Mazon River for this week’s Fossil Friday. They are both of the genus Lepidostrobus (see Mazon Monday #202), which are reproductive organs from lepidodendron trees. The Lepidostrobus genus was erected in 1828 by Adolphe-Theodore Brongniart (1801 – 1876), who was a French paleontologist, considered by many to be the father of paleobotany.

Principle parts of a lepidodendron tree from George’s Basement.

Lepidostrobus represents a large diverse genus of related cone species, including Lepidostrobus hastatus and Lepidostrobus lancifolius, which we are showing today. The species name comes from the species of the cone bracts, which have the genus Lepidostrobopyllum.

The first specimen was sent in by George Witaczek, who has sent us many interesting fossils in the past. This is the rare cone Lepidostrobus lancifolius, which was collected in the fall of 2025.

This second specimen is the equally rare Lepidostrobus hastatus. It was collected by Adam Holm in 2025.

Thanks for sharing, guys! These are quite rare and beautiful examples of lepidodendron cones.