Hermanophytes †

The Hermanophytes are a poorly understood group composed of a single genus of stem fossils, Hermanophyton †, from the Late Mesozoic (Tidwell & Ash, 1990). The stems are permineralized and usually unbranched with a complex eustelic pattern exhibiting wedge-shaped primary and secondary xylem segments separated by wide primary rays. These plants may have been vines or small trees. Nothing is known about the leaves, roots, or reproductive structures of this group.

Diversity

One genus (Hermanophyton †) with four species (Tidwell & Ash, 1990)
- H. taylorii
- H. glismannii (Tidwell & Ash, 1990)

Ecology & Form

An enigmatic group with unknown affinities
- They have been attributed to corystosperms, cycads, medullosids, Pentoxylales, Bennettitales
Maybe vine-like or short- to medium-sized narrow-stemmed tree

Stems

Known from permineralized stems (Hermanophyton †)
- Usually unbranched, 3-40 cm wide (Tidwell, 2002)
Complex anatomy
- Pith with parenchyma
- Wedge-shaped primary and secondary xylem segments separated by wide primary rays
The 10 m long specimen had a consistent diameter of 12 cm, which may indicate a vine-like habit