This is the “Fossil Friday” post #168.  Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website.  We will post any fossil pictures you send in to esconi.info@gmail.com.  Please include a short description or story.  Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!

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Something different today… How about a fossil leaf from the Green River Formation in Wyoming.  The Green River Formation dates to the Eocene Era about 52 million years ago.  This gorgeous fossil leaf was sent in by Keith Robitschek, current president of ESCONI.   Keith has been collecting and preparing fossils from the Green River for quite a few years now.  You might remember the breathtaking Mioplosus he prepared for the 2022 ESCONI Gem, Mineral, and Fossil show.

The fossil is an Ivy leaf in the family Araliaceae and Order Apiales from the Sandwich Layer of the Green River formation. The Sandwich Layer is below the famous 18-inch Layer, which produces some of the best preservation.   Today, there are over 250 species of Araliaceae living all over the world.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful specimen, Keith!