Calamites cisti

This view shows the characteristic rib pattern of calamites, showing the inner pith cavity_ of these ancient tree-like plants.

A thin outer bark covered the stems of calamites, but was rarely preserved.

Rock Type: Sandstone; fine-grained
Formation: Kanawha
Interval: Coalburg seam
Age: Middle Pennsylvanian Period, approx. 307 million years.

Location: Nicholas County, West Virginia; Ramp Run Surface Mine #1, located about 12 miles north of Summersville, West Virginia. Turn west off route 19 north of Summersville onto Spruce Run Road.