Rare Cretaceous Plant Fossil from Brazil

Cf Lindleycladus sp

Incertae sedis

Geologic Time: Lower Cretaceous, Late Aptian-Cenomanian Stage (108-92 million years ago)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Plant fossils is 45 mm by 45 mm wingspan Matrix: 95 mm by 80 mm

Fossil Site: Crato Formation, Nova Olinda Member, Ceara, Brazil

Fossil Code: GF87

Price: Sold


Rare Cretaceous Plant Fossil Description: The Araripe Basin of Brazil is home to a fantastic array of exquisitely-detailed Early Cretaceous fossils, some of which have been preserved in three dimensions. While the entire formation has until the last decade or so been termed the Santana Formation, David Martill has separated out the slightly older insect-bearing strata as the Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation. Quarrying operations for the purposes of obtaining paving stones exposes the remarkable insect fauna in much the same way that quarrying for lithographic limestone in Solnhofen has afforded a panoply of wonderfully-preserved Jurassic fossils in Germany. In addition to the many orders of insects, spiders, scorpions, decapod crustaceans, many plants have been found. The plants are of interest as they come from a time which sae the rise of the angiospermsat the expense of the gymnosperms. This one is a gymnosperm most likely Lindleycladus. While its affinities are uncertain, it is most likely a n araucarian conifer. This is the first example I have been able to secure in fourteen seasons.

Fossil Purchase Information

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