Editing Lepidodendron (section)

=== Leaves ===
[[File:Lepidodendron leaf.jpg|thumb|left|Leaf of ''Lepidodendron''|200x200px]]
The leaves of the lycopsid were needle-like and were densely spiraled about young shoots, each possessing only a single [[Leaf vein|vein]]. The leaves were similar to those of a fir in some species and similar to those of ''[[Pinus roxburghii]]'' in others, though in general the leaves of ''Lepidodendron'' species are indistinguishable from those of ''[[Sigillaria]]'' species. The [[decurrent]] leaves formed a cylindrical shell around branches. The leaves were only present on thin and young branches, indicating that, though the lycopsid were evergreen, they did not retain their needles for as long as modern conifers. 
The leaf-cushions were fusiform and elongated, growing at most to a length of {{Cvt|8|cm|in|frac=2}} and a width of {{Cvt|2|cm|in|frac=4}}. The middle of leaf-cushions were smooth, where [[leaf scar]]s were created when an [[abscission]] layer cut a leaf from its base. Each leaf scar was composed of a central circular or triangular scar and two lateral scars that were smaller and oval-shaped. This central scar marks where the main [[vascular bundle]] of the leaf connected to the vascular system of the stem. This xylem bundle was composed only of primary [[Vessel element|trachea]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2024|reason=trachea instead of tracheids in lycophytes?}} The two outer scars mark the forked branches of a strand of vascular tissue that passed from the [[Cortex (botany)|cortex]] of the stem into the leaf. This forked strand is sometimes referred to as the "parichnos". Surrounding this strand were [[parenchyma]] cells and occasionally thick-walled elements. Surrounding both conducting tissues was a broad sheath of transfusion [[tracheid]]s. Below the leaf scar the leaf-cushion tapered to a basal position. In this tapering area, circular impressions with fine pits were present. These impressions were continuous with the parichnos scars near the top of the tapering portion. This is because the impressions are formed by [[aerenchyma]] tissue that developed in closely with the parichnos. Above the leaf scar was a deep triangular impression known as the "ligular pit" for its similarities to the [[ligule]] of ''[[Isoetes]]''. In some leaf-cushions a second depression was present above the ligular pit. Though its purpose is unclear, it has been suggested that the depression may mark the position of a [[sporangium]]. As the branch of a ''Lepidodendron'' lycopsid grew the leaf-cushion only grew to a certain extent, past which the leaf-cushion stretched. This stretching widened the groove that separated the leaf-cushions, creating a broad, flat channel.<ref name=Students/>