Carboniferous pteridosperm studies: morphology and anatomy of Schopfiastrum decussatum

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Abstract
The monostelic seed fern Schopfiastrum decussatum Andrews is described from a specimen collected at a Middle Pennsylvanian petrifaction locality in southern Illinois. The specimen measures 24 cm long and is about 1.1 cm in diameter. Two petioles are attached to the axis and abundant foliar material is also present. Leaf arrangement is alternate and distichous. The stem consists of an exarch protostele surrounded by a prominent zone of secondary xylem. Secondary phloem and a vascular cambium are also preserved. The cortex is characterized by an undulating outer epidermal zone consisting of alternating ridges and furrows; internally this zone is delimited by conspicuous lacunae. Sclerenchyma bands occur in the outer cortex, with prominent resin canals present in the inner cortex. The fronds are represented by dichotomizing rachides, primary pinnae, and laminar pinnules. Features of the plant are compared to those of other Carboniferous pteridosperms, and a reconstruction of Schopfiastrum is included.

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