2.9" Zizyphoides Flabellum Fossil Plant Leaf Fort Union Glendive MT Paleocene Age

Location: Glendive, Montana - Fort Union Formation

Weight: 9.2 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.6 Inches Long, 3.2 Inches Wide, 0.7 Inches Thick (Plate)

Leaf Dimensions: 2.9 Inches Long, 2 Inches Wide

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

This is a genuine fossil

Paleocene Age 60 million years ago

Step back in time with this remarkable Zizyphoides Flabellum fossil leaf, dating to the early Paleocene Epoch, approximately 66–56 million years ago. This period immediately followed the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction, a global event that ended the reign of non-avian dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles, and numerous other species, leaving ecological niches open for plants and animals to recover and diversify. During the Paleocene, Earth’s climate was warm and ice-free, with dense tropical, subtropical, and deciduous forests spreading across the globe, including polar regions. These lush forests allowed the rise of modern plant lineages, such as flowering plants (angiosperms), palms, and cacti, along with insects that coevolved to feed on and pollinate them.

The Zizyphoides Flabellum leaf fossil preserves exquisite details of leaf structure, offering a rare window into the composition, diversity, and resilience of early modern forests. Fossils like this illustrate how vegetation rebounded after mass extinction, forming some of the first recognizably modern forests with dense canopies and thriving ecosystems. Perfect for fossil collectors, paleobotany enthusiasts, educators, and museums, this Zizyphoides Flabellum fossil leaf is not only a scientific treasure but also a visually striking piece for display. It provides a tangible connection to prehistoric forests, showcasing the early evolution of modern plant life and the resilience of nature in the wake of global catastrophe.