Abstract: Spores of Phymatopsis shandongensis and P. hastata were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed clear distinctions in the spore ornamentations of P. shandongensis (rough type) and P. hastata (thick pointed type).The spore ornamentation characteristics showed that P. shandongensis J.X. Li et C.Y. Wang was a distinct species, and should be restored to a species level position rather than incorporated with P. hastata (Thunb.) Pic. Serm. Our research presents new information on the spore morphology of P. shandongensis and P. hastata, as well as spore ornamentations of Phymatopsis by SEM. Furthermore, the results of this study provide a palynological basis for clarifying the affiliation of the two species.