Root Section of Clubmoss Tree

Description: Stigmaria is the name given to a root of a giant Lycopsid or scale tree which formed an important part of the coal swamps which in the late Carboniferous which grew to heights in excess of 40 meters. This specimen is from closed mining site, and is excellently preserved. There were typically four such roots that propped up the plant which may have been a Lepidodendron or a Sigillaria. Since the roots were not found attached to a specific type of tree, Stigmaria is what is known as a form genus. This one is quite long, giving you some idea of the extent of such roots. The trees that gave rise to these roots died out at the end of the Carboniferous.