6.3: Extinct SVPs

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A tree with a long trunk. In the canopy, it branches dichotomously and has dangling strobili. The leaves are long and thin. — Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): In the first image there is fossil from a *Lepidodendron* tree on display at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. This extinct lycophyte genus was perhaps one of the dominant features in the landscape during the carboniferous period. The second image is an artist's reconstruction of *Lepidodendron,* showing dichotomous branching of the roots and shoots. Microphylls and pendant strobili emerge in the canopy. Photo of the fossil by Jstuby at en.Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Artist's reconstruction by Tim Bertelink, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A tree that branches dichotomously in the roots and once in the canopy into fuzzy upright branches. — Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): In the first image there is fossil from a *Sigillaria* (possibly a root fragment) that is on display at State Museum of Pennsylvania. The second image is an artist's interpretation of what these plants looked like during the Carboniferous period. Photo of the fossil by Jstuby at en.Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Artist's reconstruction by Tim Bertelink, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A drawing of a tree-like horsetail, Calamites — Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): The first image shows fossils of *Calamites*, an extinct relative of *Equisetum*, from the Sedgwick Museum's collection. The second image is an artist's interpretation of what these plants looked like. There is a large rhizome under the surface of the soil. The tree-like horsetail might have been 60 feet tall and has whorled branches with small leaves. Fossil photo by Verisimilus, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Artist's reconstruction by Falconaumanni, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.