Collection of Three Green River Fossil Plates as Decorative Wall Art RARE!

Description

Collection of Three Green River Fossil Plates as Decorative Wall Art RARE!
For the collector striving for an attractive representation of Green River Formation fossils suitable for decorative wall display, these three superb fossil plates brilliantly illustrate the flora and fauna of that time.  While leaf fossils are commonly found in some units of the Green River Formation, palm fronds are rare and banana leaves are extremely rare.  This collection includes both, along with an exquisitely preserved specimen of
Mioplosus labracoides
.
This fish,
an ancient relative of the Walleye,
was a  fierce predator and is
comparatively rare
.
Palm Frond - This fossilized partial palm frond is representative of the superb primitive flora of the Eocene period.
While there are more than 2,000 living species of palm, all fossil palm fronds are assigned to one of three morphospecies based on the configuration of leaf blade attachment to the stem. The three morphospecies are Sabalites (blades branching off a triangular base known as a costa), Palmacites (blades radiating from a single point), and Phoenicites (blades arranged in a pinnate or ladder like-manner). This specimen represents either Sabilites or Palmacites.
As a bonus, the fronds present a radial arrangement of little holes.  These were made by a burrowing insect when the leaf was still in the bud.
This is a classic preparation from the world-renowned Ulrich Gallery, labelled and numbered.
It measures 22 x 20.5 inches, measured diagonally, corner to corner.
Banana Leaf - This very rare fossil Banana Leaf features a broad section of mottled brown hues. It appears that the leaf has folded over on itself, as if lain to rest after sinking through the depths of a deep lake.
There is great detail on this specimen that resides in a natural matrix of a rugged shale with colors and patterns. This unique botanical fossil has a high level of decorative appeal. This is another classic preparation from the Ulrich Gallery, labelled and numbered.
It measures 16.5 x 13.5 inches.
Fish:
Mioplosus labracoides
- The significant extent of preservation that makes the Green River Formation famous is evident in this specimen. Only a small portion of the fish fossils from Green River exhibits such fine detail.
Mioplosus labracoides
is believed to have been a voracious predator.
Distinguishing features include double dorsal fins and a fan-like tail.
A member of the Family Percidae, i
t may be related to the modern-day pike of the genus Stezostedion and is an ancient relative of the Walleye.
It is known as a predatory species as determined from its many pointed teeth, and the fact that several have been found with fish lodged in their throat. Indeed, v
ery close examination of this specimen suggests it may have just captured its last meal as evidenced by the apparent remnants of a small fish and gill fin in its jaws!  I cannot be certain, but  you can judge for yourself: please see macros.  Also evident, as shown in the close-up photography, are what appear to be scales preserved within the area of the stomach region.
Mioplosus is not common in the Green River formation, especially fish of this size and of this exceptional quality of preservation.
The nearly 14-inch fossil is nicely centered on a 21.5 x 15 inch slab fully enclosed with a 23.5 x 17 x 1.25 inch custom gold-tinted aluminum frame.
The frame compliments the bi-color limestone and adds aesthetic color contrast.
The Green River Formation of southwestern Wyoming is one of the largest lacustrine sedimentary accumulations in the world, and spans the period from 40 to 50 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch.  The formation is an example of a Lagerstätte, a sedimentary deposit that exhibits extraordinary fossils with exceptional preservation—sometimes including preserved soft tissues. The formation is one of the premier, world-class examples of such deposits. Its fossil record indicates the region of was sub-tropical to temperate, comparable to that of present-day Florida.  The climate supported a vibrant ecosystem for turtles, fish, crocodiles, and birds as well as abundant invertebrates and plants. The land was covered in lush vegetation.
Overall Dimensions and Weights:
Palm leaf plate: 22 x 20.5 inches corner to corner, approximately 9.5 pounds.
Fossil fish (Mioplosus labracoides):
23.5 x 17 inches, approximately 16 pounds.
Banana leaf plate:
16.5 x 13.5 inches, approximately 8 pounds.
ACTUAL AS SEEN: The images shows the exact unique specimen you will receive. I strive to portray colors as close to life-like as I can.  Colors will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device.
This ships only to the conterminous United States.
Return Policy:
If you are not satisfied with your item, please contact me within 72 hours of receiving the item.
I
'll refund your purchase price, minus shipping charges, upon safe return of the item in original condition within 30 days of buyer’s receipt of item. Failure to contact me within 72 hours of receipt of item, voids this offer. Buyer is responsible for all return shipping charges.
Items must arrive to me in same condition as buyer received it (check photos in original description).
Damage:
This item ships insured.  An adult signature is required upon delivery.
Buyer must contact me within 24 hours of receipt of item to claim damage in shipping.