Abstract
The reproductive organization and function of heterosporous arborescent lycopods in the Carboniferous are categorized based on histologically preserved specimens: free-sporing bisporangiate cones of the Lepidostrobus type ( sensu stricto) which includes Bothrodendrostrobus, Sporangiostrobus and Polysporia; monosporangiate cones with intrasporangial modification, the Mazocarpon type; megasporangium—sporophyll modification of the monosporic, dispersed Achlamydocarpon type; and the integumentary type represented by Lepidocarpon. The taxonomy—morphology of each type of megasporophyll unit is summarized; their gametophytes and embryo stages are described and illustrated. Lycopod reproductive biology is related to swamp environments and their changes in the Pennsylvanian. The morphological and functional seed-like aspects of Achlamydocarpon and Lepidocarpon are considered aquatic adaptations, partially reflecting in their sporophyll design the leaf-cushion potentials of Lepidodendron and Lepidophloios.
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