Lepidodendron aculeatum
Rhacophyllum sp.
Incertae sedisGeological Time: Pennsylvanian (~300 m.y.a.)
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Lepidodendron: 48 mm by 20 mm Rhacophyllum: 27 mm by 19 mm in a 40 mm by 65 mm nodule pair
Fossil Site: Mazon Creek, Morris, Illinois
Code: MZF21
Price: $65.00 - sale
 Description:
The Mazon Creek deposits of the region near Braidwood, Illinois
rival the other famous Lagerstatten of the Burgess Shale, Solnhofen,
and Liaoning for the variety of detailed life preserved. Many exquisitely-preserved
specimens are found in the ironstone nodules that make up the deposits.
Lepidodendron is the name given to a giant Lycopod or scale tree
which formed an important part of the coal swamps of the late Carboniferous
which grew to heights in excess of 40 meters. This specimen is
from Mazon Creek itself. The leaf scars make it easy to see how
the name scale tree was derived. The different scarring shapes
and patterns are what is used to distinguish the various species
of Lepidodendron. This distinctive pattern is most pleasing to
the eye. It is found in association with the fern Rhacophyllum,
a rarely-seen taxon. |
