asterophyllites

[Gr. ἀστήρ ( aster ) = a star; φύλλον ( phullon ) = a leaf; and suff. -ιτης ( ites ) = of the nature of.] A genus of Cryptogamous plants, allied to Calamites, belonging to the order Equisetaceæ. All are fo il, and belong to the Carboniferous period. Their name was given on account of the starry appearance of the verticillate foliage. Their stems were articulated and branched, and it is now known that the fo ils termed Volkmannia constituted their fructification.