Abstract: Ovules (or seeds) are distributed widely in the beds of Paleozoic of China, but what have been found are all impressions or molds of them. Recently, while studying the fossil plants in coal balls of Coal Seam No.7 (P1) at the upper part of Taiyuan Formation in Xishan Coal- Field, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, We found a kind of petrified ovules with internal structures, which not only are abundant but also quite well presserved. Having been studied, they are put into Cardiocarpus Brongniart and considered as a new species C. samaratus. In the coal bails they are often found associated with the leaves, stems and fructifications of Cordaites, so it is very possible that these ovules belong to Cordaites. It is very interesting that these ovules are very similar to those of the earliest conifers Lebachia described by G. M. Rothwell in 1982. This indicates' that there is a close relation between Cordaites and conifers. Cardioearpus samaratus ap.nov. The ovules are small, flat and obviously-winged. The average length is 6–7mm. The largest width (nearly equal to the length) is at the lower middle part of the ovule. Wings and the top and base of the ovule bend to the same side in a varying extent. The ovule is not cordate at the base. The integument can be divided into three layers: the sarcrotesta consisting of parenchymatous cells, the sclerotesta and the endotesta consisting of longitudinally-elongated sclerenchymatous and parenchymatous cells. The lower midrile part of the nucellus is vascularized. The micropyle is elliptical in transverse section. One main vascular bundle extends upwards from the base. Before it arrives at the sclerotesta, it biforcates into two vascular bundles and extend upwards in the sarcrotesta at the wings. In the meantime, the main vascular bundle continues' to extend upwards and passes across the sclerotesta and reaches the base of the nucellus from where it extends into the nucellus.

Key words: Ovules, Coal balls, Late Paleozoic, Taiyuan Formation