Very Rare Mariopteris Daviesi Leaf Fossils

This is a very detailed fossil of a rare species of seed fern (Mariopteris daviesi) from the Upper Carboniferous coal beds of Poland. The preservation is excellent with the leaves contrasting very well against the matrix.

Marioptris was a seed fern with relatively small compact fronds which are bifurcated twice. Although it is clear that most mariopterids are seed ferns, their natural affinity remains unclear. Mariopterids obviously had a climbing growth habit. This species, like other mariopteroids, had a vine like growth habit and climbed with specialized climber hooks.