Araucarioxylon

/ˌɑːraʊkɛəriˈɒksɪlɒn/ noun

Definition

A genus of fossilized wood from extinct conifers related to modern araucaria trees, found in petrified forests.

Etymology

Compound of Araucaria and xylon (Greek for 'wood'), literally meaning 'araucaria wood.' This scientific term describes fossilized wood that scientists believe came from araucaria-like trees.

Kelly Says

Araucarioxylon wood was so abundant in ancient forests that entire petrified forests are made of it—when you walk through places like the Petrified Forest in Arizona, you're stepping on trees from 225 million years ago!

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