Calamites (genus of extinct plants)

Calamites was a genus of tall, tree-like plants that thrived during the Carboniferous period, about 300 million years ago. Related to modern horsetails, they had jointed, ribbed stems with whorled leaves and characteristics similar to ferns. Calamites played a significant role in ancient ecosystems, particularly in forming the extensive coal beds we use today. Their stems, often found as fossils, reveal a vascular structure specialized for transporting water and nutrients, showcasing early complex plant adaptations. They are an important part of Earth's botanical history, demonstrating the evolution of plant life and the development of forest ecosystems in prehistoric environments.