Eophyllophyton bellum †
Early Devonian plant with true leaves
During the Early Devonian, most euphyllophyte plants are leafless (lycophytes had evolved microphylls). Eophyllophyton (Hao & Beck 1993) is one of the first plants to have true leaves (megaphylls), and may provide evidence for how euphyllophytes evolved leaves
Ecology & Form
Stems
The stem morphology superficially resembles several progymnosperms, but may occupy their own group.
Leaves
Laminar leaf pairs born laterally or terminally on axes
Tips curve inwards towards each-other
They are small and fan-shaped, with the laminae highly dissected
They range in width from 1.7 to 4.8 mm, in length from 2.2 to 5.0 mm, and in thickness from 40 to 200 mm. They seem to occur in clusters at the ends of small lateral branches.
Clear venation on lamina
Their dichotomous pattern of division reflects an isotomous or anisotomous venation, with each subdivision of the lamina served by a single vein.
In some instances, the pattern of division of the lamina is almost pinnate
Roots
Unknown
Reproduction
Leaves bear spherical sporangia
Arranged in rows on the abaxial side of the leaf, similar to other euphyllophytes like ferns
Above: the megaphyllous leaves of Eophyllophyton
Above: Axes, leaves, and anatomy of Eophyllophyton