Alethopteris serlii Fossil Fern Plant – Carboniferous – Coal Measures – Radstock Somerset UK – Genuine with Certificate

Description

A striking Alethopteris serlii fossil plant fern, discovered by our experienced fossil hunters Alister and Alison on 12 May 2025, from the Coal Measures of the Carboniferous Period at Radstock, Somerset, UK — a classic British fossil plant locality.

This beautifully preserved specimen features distinct pinnules arranged along a central rachis, characteristic of Alethopteris serlii, a common yet scientifically important seed fern (Pteridosperm) from the Carboniferous. It offers a clear insight into the lush tropical swamp forests that once covered this region over 300 million years ago.

The fossil has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison and is presented exactly as seen in the photograph — the actual specimen you will receive. The scale cube = 1cm, and the full dimensions are visible in the image.

Alethopteris is a key genus within the Pteridospermatophyta, or seed ferns — an extinct group of plants that played a major role in forming today’s coal beds. The leaves are typically large, with symmetrical pinnae and lobed or entire pinnules.

The Westphalian Stage of the Carboniferous (Upper Pennsylvanian) is particularly renowned for its fossil plant assemblages, with Radstock being a historically important locality in British palaeobotany.

Geological & Taxonomic Information:

• Species: Alethopteris serlii
• Fossil Type: Seed fern (Pteridosperm) foliage
• Geological Period: Carboniferous
• Stage: Westphalian (Pennsylvanian, Upper Carboniferous)
• Formation: Coal Measures (Radstock)
• Location: Radstock, Somerset, UK
• Depositional Environment: Deltaic to swampy lowland forest
• Family: Alethopteridaceae
• Order: Medullosales

What You Receive:

• The exact fossil specimen shown
• A Certificate of Authenticity
• Secure, professional packaging

Perfect for fossil collectors, natural history educators, or as a unique gift celebrating the incredible biodiversity of ancient forests.

Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Scale cube = 1cm. Please see photo for full sizing.