A fossil Sigillaria found at Lochwood Colliery, Easterhouse.
Sigillaria was a type of giant clubmoss common in the Carboniferous Period (360 to 290 million years ago), although it was not as widespread as Lepidodendron, another type of giant clubmoss. Sigillaria could grow to heights of up to 30 metres but branched only a few times, if at all. The leaves grew straight from the trunk and branches, and when one fell out it left an hexagonal scar behind. Sigillaria leaves grew in rows (as can be seen above), whereas Lepidodendron leaves grew in a diagonal pattern.
Reference: 1905.117.y
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
Carboniferous Period, collieries, fossils, geology, giant clubmosses, leaves, Lepidodendron, Lochwood Colliery, Sigillaria, trees