The cone (Palaeostachya) of a fossil horsetail from Foxley, Tollcross.
This is an example of a fossil horsetail stem called Calamites. It grew during the Carboniferous Period (360-290 million years ago). Although only a few species of horsetail have survived to the present day, they can be found almost everywhere in the world. In Scotland today horsetails are small plants occurring in wet places, woods, waste ground and gardens. In the past, however, some species grew to heights of up to 20 metres.
Reference: 1905.117.ac
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
Calamites, Carboniferous Period, fossil cones, fossils, geology, horsetails, Palaeostachya