Dinophyton spinosus is an odd plant that is found in the late Triassic of rocks across the US. It's often found as a small branch or sprig of tiny rounded leaves. Paleontologists have been trying to figure out how it fits within the evolution of plants but have so far been frustrated. What research I have found (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)says that it is a gymnosperm (it's seeds are not protected by a fruit) which puts it close to conifers, Ginko's and cycads. The specimens below come from the late Triassic aged Stockton formation near Phoenixville, PA. This is practically in my back yard and I'd never heard, let alone seen anything like these before.
During the late Triassic, Southeastern PA was a rift zone as Pangea split up. The Stockton formation was deposited on a level plain during drier, savanna like conditions. It inter-tongues with the Lockatong formation which represents lake sediments that would wax and wane as the climate changed. The specimens below were probably preserved in small, temporary ponds.
Sample 1 - Just a small leaf cluster on this piece.
Sample 2 - This piece has a few more sprigs of Dinophyton spinosus.
Previously, I blogged about some Conchostracans that I found from the Lockatong formation.
The Stockton formation is dated to the Triassic, roughly Carnian stage. I purchased these fossils in 2018.
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