Description: 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 closed mining site, and is excellently preserved. 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.