FLORA OF THE CARBONIFEROUS EPOCH. 65 



axis bears in a distichous manner sub-opposite or alternate 

 bracts of a linear-lanceolate form and with decurrent bases. 

 In the axils of the bracts were developed flower-like leaf- 

 bearing buds, and from them proceeded three or four linear 

 pedicels, which terminated upwards in a somewhat enlarged 

 trumpet-shaped apex. To this enlarged articulating surface 

 was attached the fruit, to which has been given the generic 

 name Cardiocarpum'''' (Fig. 51). The place of attachment is 

 indicated by the short straight line which separates the cordate 

 lobes at the base of the fruit. The fruit is flattish, broadly 

 ovatC; with a cordate base and sub-acute apex. It consists of 



Fig. 51. Fig. 52. 



an outer pericarp, inclosing an ovate-acute seed. That the 

 pericarp was of some thickness, and formed probably a sub- 

 indurated rind, is shown by a specimen preserved in the 

 round, and figured (Fig. 53 a). The pericarp is open at the 

 apex; and the elongated tubular apex of the spermodei-m 

 passes up to this opening. The seed forms a distinct swelling 

 in the centre of the fruit, and a slight ridge passes up the 

 middle to the base of the apical opening. 



These fossils are believed to be an extinct form of Gymno- 

 sperms. Two species have been described, of both of which 



Fig. 51. Cardiocaiyum Lindleyi, Carr. Fig. 52. Do., Coal-measures, 

 Falkirk. 



* See Professor Duns ou the associatiou of Cardiocarpum with 

 Sphenopteris. Proc. R.S.E., April 1, 1872. 



F 



