Lepidodendrons belong to one of the earliest major plant groups, the clubmosses. They were one of the major species living in the Carboniferous Period coal-forest swamps. Because of the diamond-shaped leaf scar patterns in their bark they were also known as a scale-tree. Other isolated parts of the plant are given other names. Lepidostrobus (or strobili) are the spore-containing cones which are found at the ends of the branches. The root sections are known as Stigmaria. Lepidodendron started life as a short, fat stump, which grew rapidly upward, with its pole-like trunk hardly increasing in circumference. It has been estimated that they could reach heights exceeding 165ft after only two or three years. Upon reaching its maximum height, simple forking branches sprouted out from its crown. The youngest parts of the tree, regardless of whether it is the growing trunks or the final uppermost branches, had long, slim often dagger-like leaves which looked similar to large blades of grass (called Sigillaria). A very rapid life cycle, in conditions with plentiful water, warmth and nutrients explains why Lepidodendron and other plants of the time managed to produce such a large quantity of biomass that is found in today's coal deposits.

Stigmaria
	Quantity in Basket: None Code: KS-100 Price: $25.00 Shipping Weight: 7.00 pounds
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Time: Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous Period), approximately 280 million years ago. Location: Coal mine, Letcher County, Kentucky, USA. Dimensions: 4" x 7-1/2" x 2-1/4"