Unknown Cretaceous Fossil Plant from Lebanese Lagerstatte

Description: Known for its incredibly well-preserved fish and crustaceans, the sublithographic limestone of the Cretaceous of Lebanon also preserved incredible detail here as well. This is a fine plant from Haqel, Lebanon. Few plants are preserved in the Cretaceous marine deposits of Lebanon, and most are marine algae, so this is a most uncommon fossil. The en-Nammoura location preserves more plant examples than either Hajoula or Haqel, leading some to believe it was a site closer to land, allowing for greater preservation of terrestrial plants. This one looks much like the modern-day freshwater plant Elodea; if related, it would be most unusual indeed coming from a location well away from the shore of the time. The location in the quarry from which it came is higher up in the quarry in an area typically devoid of fish. Whatever the exact circumstances of its deposition and subsequent preservation, it is an uncommon specimen, and the first like it I have been able to secure.