Abstract: A new species of the late Paleozoic fern Scolecopteris (Marattiales) is described and its relationship within the genus is discussed. Scolecopteris sinensis sp. nov., from Shanxi (coal balls of Taiyuan formation, upper Carboniferous), is similar to S. saharaensis, however some differences in characters are evidenced, such as pedicel and sporal ornamentation, The anatomy of the sporangium wails, pinule morphology, and general spore type support its association with the Minor group of Scolecopteris. The phylogenetic and ecological magnitude of Scolecopteris sinensis is also discussed.

Key words: Scolecopteris, Spore in situ, Upper Carboniferous, Coal balls, Marattiales