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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
Diversity
One genus (Hermanophyton †) with four species (Tidwell & Ash, 1990)
H. taylorii
H. glismannii (Tidwell & Ash, 1990)
Ecology & Form
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
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
Leaves
Leaves
Unknown
Roots
Roots
Unknown
Reproductive structures
Reproductive structures
Unknown
Classification
Classification
└? Hermanophytes †
Geologic Age
Geologic Age
Southwestern USA & Europe
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