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Name:
Erythrina roanensis leaf
Age: Eocene
Formation: Green River Formation
Location: Douglas Pass, Colorado
Size: Leaf is 1.5 inches long
Here is a very unusual leaf. This is a nice specimen of Erythrina roanensis from the Eocene of Colorado. Very few specimens of this particular leaf have ever been found in the Green River Formation. Erythrina roanensis is a member of Leguminosae. The majority of legumes are shrubs, but ones of this particular genus are trees. They are often referred to as "coral trees". This distinct leaf has irregular, undulating margins and extremely strong venation. The primary vein is very thick and the secondary veins are alternately arranged. The short, very stout petiole is still attached to the leaf. The fossil has extraordinary color and contrast and is well showcased on the natural plate of shale. This is a great example of this rare leaf from the Green River Shale.
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