Problematic Plumalina Putative Devonian Feather Coral Fossil

Description: This superb specimen belongs to what is most commonly termed the Problematica, or problematic animals, indicative of an unclear or controversial classification. First described in the 1850s, it is still the subject of uncertainty today. Named Plumalina plumaria in 1858 it is thought be some to be a hydrzoan (“feather coral”) and a gorgonian by others. While it is indubitably a cnidarian, perhaps to label incertae sedis would be best. I have included a couple of negative images to make the specimen easier to see.