|
Name:
Alnus sp.
Age: Eocene
Formation: Tranquille Shale
Location: Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada
Size: Branch is 2.7 inches long.
Here is a very unique plant fossil. This is an exquisite specimen of alder (Alnus sp.) cones from the Eocene of Canada. There are several oblong cones present on this plate - all beautifully attached to the main branch by short stalks. It is very unusual to find a specimen with so many alder cones still attached. These woody cones were composed of truncate scales with thickened tips. Under magnification, one can easily see the individual scales of the cones. The dark, carbonaceous fossil contrasts nicely with the lighter-colored matrix. It is well positioned on the natural plate of shale. This is a wonderful example of fossil alder cones.
|
|
|