Fig. 8

The contrast about potential dispersal ability of the modern spinning samaras and the model lepidocarps with a wind speed of 5 m per second. Data of the modern samaras’ terminal velocity are from Green [15], and we draw lines to show the relationship between height and dispersal distance. Considering the lack of information about the height of the ancient trees, we use the rough height of some Late Paleozoic arborescent lycopsids (Leptophloeum rhombicum, Lepidophloios, Lepidodendron) for reference. 1. The model lepidocarps; 2. Green ash; 3. White ash; 4. Tulip tree; 5. Sugar maple; 6. Box elder; 7. Sliver maple; 8. Red maple.