Discovery of New 133-Million-Year-Old Conifer Species Classostrobus amealensis in Portugal

A distinguished group of international researchers, featuring prominent specialists from the University of Coimbra, has announced the identification of a remarkable new species of prehistoric conifer. This ancient plant is estimated to be approximately 133 million years old, dating back to a pivotal era in Earth's history. The discovery was made within the fossil-rich layers of the Vale Cortiço formation, situated in the Torres Vedras region of Portugal. The specimen, an exceptionally well-preserved male reproductive structure resembling a cone, has been scientifically designated as Classostrobus amealensis, a finding that adds a significant chapter to our understanding of the Early Cretaceous period.

This scientific milestone resolves a persistent enigma within the field of Portuguese paleobotany concerning the composition of ancient local vegetation. By uncovering this specimen, researchers have gained a clearer window into the complex ecosystems that existed more than a hundred million years ago. The specific epithet amealensis serves as a geographical reference to the small village of Ameal, the precise location where the fossil was recovered. This ancient conifer is classified as a member of the now-extinct Cheirolepidiaceae family. These plants are considered vital indicators for scientists attempting to reconstruct paleoclimatic conditions, as they were highly specialized for survival in warm, semi-arid environments—a trait confirmed by the presence of their characteristic Classopollis genus pollen.

Evidence from the study strongly suggests that Classostrobus amealensis represents the male reproductive organ of the previously identified species Frenelopsis teixeirae, which is thought to have been a dominant feature of the local landscape. The discovery of this cone provides a missing piece of the puzzle, complementing vegetative remains that were previously extracted from the same stratigraphic level at Vale Cortiço. The researchers noted that the co-occurrence of Frenelopsis teixeirae fragments and the unique stomatal patterns observed in the cuticles of Classostrobus amealensis provide a compelling link. It is concluded that F. teixeirae was the parent plant for the C. amealensis cones, which were responsible for producing the specific pollen type known as Classopollis martinottii.

The comprehensive scientific study was a collaborative effort involving experts from the Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Museum Prague in the Czech Republic, and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center located in Leiden, Netherlands. This research is slated for publication in the prestigious journal Cretaceous Research in May 2026. Lead researchers, including paleobotany expert Mário Miguel Mendes from the University of Coimbra, emphasize that while the Cheirolepidiaceae family was well-adapted to semi-arid or coastal habitats, they may have also been capable of occupying cooler latitudes than previously thought. The identification of Classostrobus amealensis not only expands the known paleoflora of Portugal but also provides essential empirical data for climate modeling, reinforcing the widespread presence of the Frenelopsis genus during the Early Cretaceous.