RARE Cretaceous Lebanese Plant Fern Fossil

Description: Known for its incredibly well-preserved fish and crustaceans, the sublithographic limestone of the Cretaceous of Lebanon also preserved incredible detail here as well. Few plants are preserved in the Cretaceous marine deposits of Lebanon, and most are marine algae, so this is a most uncommon fossil. The en-Nammoura location preserves more plant examples than either Hajoula or Haqel, leading some to believe it was a site closer to land, allowing for greater preservation of terrestrial plants such as this. The fact they are often found well-articulated is indicative that transport from land was not extensive. Plants have only been studied from this location since 1990, with this example being one of two ferns found. The quarries of en-Nammoura are one of the few places where plants of this age are preserved, and this specimen has had no restoration. To heighten the visibility, I have included several photos with enhanced contrast.