Overview

• 350-million-year-old trees discovered in Canada, showcasing architecture similar to modern ferns and tree ferns.
• The trees, named Sanfordiacaulis densifolia, represent a new genus and species, challenging previous understandings of plant evolution.
• Fossils include unique three-dimensional crown shapes, providing insights into the complexity of ancient forests.
• The discovery suggests the existence of a significant understory in coal-age forests, predating previous expectations by 15-20 million years.
• Researchers highlight the importance of these findings in understanding the evolution of forest ecosystems and plant biodiversity.