Phlebopteris

 ( Gleicheniales ) 

Phlebopteris is an extinct genus of Mesozoic fern belonging to the family Matoniaceae.

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Description and morphology it is diagnosed by "pinna exhibiting short or long pinnules with decurrent or non-decurrent base; midrib often reaching the apex; secondary veins dichotomously branched, with or without forming a reticulate venation; circular Sorus lacking indusium; sori with five to six annulate sporangia annulus; trilete, subtriangular, tetrahedral or round spores." Phlebopteris angustiloba and Phlebopteris muensteri are suggested to have grown as Herbaceous plant rather than as tree ferns.

The oldest fossil of the genus is known from the Ladinian of Italy. The genus was almost globally distributed during the Jurassic, with a concentration of species in the northern hemisphere. Species like Phlebopteris polypodioides, P. tracyi, and P. angustiloba are suggested to have grown in humid habitats as understory vegetation, with Phlebopteris woodwardii suggested to have grown along riverbanks, as well as in Heath and peat swamps.

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