Cordaitaceae

/ˌkɔːrdeɪɪˈteɪsi/ noun

Definition

An extinct family of Paleozoic gymnosperm plants that had simple leaves and large pollen-producing cones.

Etymology

From the genus 'Cordaites' + Latin '-aceae' (family suffix). Named after the genus, following binomial taxonomy conventions.

Kelly Says

Cordaitaceae were the giants of coal-age forests 300 million years ago—they're now locked in coal seams we burn for energy, making them one of Earth's most useful extinct plant families!

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