SPHENOPHYLLUM Meaning and
Definition
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Sphenophyllum is a genus of extinct plant that belongs to the division Sphenophyta, also known as horsetails or scouring rushes. It was an ancient group of vascular plants that existed during the Carboniferous period, approximately 354 to 290 million years ago. Sphenophyllum plants generally had a slender, jointed stem that produced whorls of small, scale-like leaves. They ranged in size, with some species reaching up to 6 feet in height.
The leaves of Sphenophyllum were arranged in a characteristic pattern, forming a sheath around the stem at each node. These leaves were elongated and narrow, often resembling tiny scales. Sphenophyllum plants reproduced by spores, which were produced in sporangia located at the tips of the central stalks.
Due to their abundance in the fossil record, Sphenophyllum plants are of great paleobotanical significance. They played an important role in the ecology of the Carboniferous period, often forming dense stands in wetland environments. Sphenophyllum fossils are commonly found in coal deposits, indicating their preference for swampy habitats.
The distinctive morphological features of Sphenophyllum, such as its jointed stems and whorls of leaves, make it easily recognizable and distinguishable from other plant groups in the fossil record. Its evolutionary lineage has contributed to the understanding of plant diversification and adaptation throughout Earth's history.
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In geol., a genus of Coalmeasure plants having whorled wedge-shaped leaves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPHENOPHYLLUM
- sphenophylnum
- sphenophylmum
- sphenophyll5m
- sphenophyllem
- sphenophyllqm
- sphenophyllwm
- sphenophylltm
- sphenophyllue
- sphenophyllui
- sphenophylluo
- sphenophyllul
- spheknowphyllum
- sph enophyllum
- sphe nophyllum
- sphen ophyllum
- sphenoph yllum
- sphenophy llum
- sphenophyl lum
- sphenophyll um
- sphenophyllu m
Etymology of SPHENOPHYLLUM
The word "sphenophyllum" is derived from the Greek words "sphen" meaning "wedge" and "phyllum" meaning "leaf". This name was given to the plant genus in reference to the shape of its leaves, which are wedge-shaped.
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