1.3" Detailed Cardiospermum Coloradensis Balloon Vine Fossil Plant Leaf Eocene Age

Cardiospermum coloradensis is an extinct plant species preserved in the famous Green River Formation deposits of Colorado, USA, dating to the Eocene epoch, approximately 53–48 million years ago. This fossil belongs to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), a group still recognized today by its characteristic bright red fruits. The preserved leaves are dark brown, beautifully contrasted against the pale sandy shale matrix typical of these fossil-rich layers.

While the Green River Formation is world-renowned for its exceptionally preserved fish fossils, it also contains a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including plants, insects, invertebrates, reptiles, and early mammals. The Cardiospermum coloradensis specimens display detailed leaf venation, and some even preserve small insects, providing rare insight into Eocene ecological interactions. Insects are uncommon in Green River deposits, making these fossils particularly valuable.

These fossils highlight the lush vegetation that surrounded the extensive lakes of the early Middle Eocene, forming an important component of the paleoecosystem. Shales from Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming preserve these plants in exceptional detail, illustrating the diversity and abundance of Eocene flora. Cardiospermum coloradensis offers researchers and collectors a window into ancient plant communities, helping reconstruct paleoenvironments and understand the composition of early Cenozoic landscapes.