Auction Name: 2025 December 2 Property of a Distinguished Southern California Collector Nature & Science Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 72022

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/8237*72022

Fossil Palm with Fossil Fish
Sabalites sp., Phareodus encaustus., & Knightia eocaena.
Eocene
Fossil Butte member, F2 Horizon
Green River Formation
Lincoln County, Wyoming, USA

In a subtropical paradise some 50 million years ago, the tranquil shores of an ancient fossil lake teemed with life. Lush palms lined the water's edge while crocodiles, turtles, and early mammals inhabited its banks, and primitive birds glided gracefully overhead. Today, remnants of this long-vanished ecosystem are preserved within the Green River Formation of southwestern Wyoming-now found over 7,200 feet above sea level-a geological masterpiece that captures both the artistry and the science of deep time.

While the formation is celebrated worldwide for its exquisitely preserved fossil fish, palaeobotanical specimens of comparable completeness are exceedingly rare. Rarest of all are entire palm fronds, seldom recovered in such pristine and undistorted condition. The present specimen-one of the largest ever discovered from the F2 Horizon-preserves a magnificent palm frond measuring 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 meters) in length, extending from the tip of the petiole to the end of the blade. Its graceful arch and finely defined venation are beautifully displayed against the natural Limestone matrix, creating a breathtaking fusion of natural history and visual art.

Adding to its significance, the same slab preserves a Phareodus encaustus, a predatory fish species, along with multiple specimens of Knightia eocaena, the official state fossil of Wyoming. Their presence alongside the palm evokes the vibrant biodiversity of this fossil lake's ancient waters.

The entire mural measures an impressive 109 x 73 inches (276 x 185 cm), making it not only a scientifically important specimen but also one of the larger Fossil Palm compositions ever offered at auction-a dramatic and museum-worthy presentation of Wyoming's prehistoric landscape, frozen in stone for eternity.
Overall Measurements: 109.00 x 73.00 x 5.00 inches (276.86 x 185.42 x 12.70 cm)

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern California Collector

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