Description
Genuine Jurassic Fossil Plant Sphenobaiera pecten from the Yorkshire Coast
This impressive Fossil Plant Sphenobaiera pecten specimen comes from the Scalby Formation at Hayburn Wyke, North Yorkshire, UK, a renowned Jurassic fossil locality famous for preserving prehistoric plant life. The specimen shows the characteristic fan-shaped leaf structure of Sphenobaiera, clearly preserved within the fine-grained sedimentary matrix typical of this formation.
The photograph shows the exact fossil specimen you will receive, making this a carefully selected and authentic collector’s piece ideal for fossil enthusiasts, educational collections, and natural history displays.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, during fieldwork along the Yorkshire coast. Following its discovery, the fossil was cleaned, prepared and stabilised by Alison, ensuring the delicate leaf structure is clearly visible while preserving the integrity of the surrounding rock.
Full sizing can be seen in the accompanying photographs.
Every specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card, confirming that the fossil is a genuine natural specimen.
The Prehistoric Plant Species Sphenobaiera pecten
Sphenobaiera pecten is an extinct prehistoric plant belonging to the ginkgophytes, an ancient lineage of plants that flourished during the Mesozoic Era. These plants are closely related to the modern Ginkgo biloba, the only surviving member of this once widespread group.
Its scientific classification includes:
- Order: Ginkgoales
- Family: Ginkgoaceae
- Genus: Sphenobaiera
- Species: Sphenobaiera pecten
The genus Sphenobaiera was formally described by the German palaeobotanist Heinrich Göppert, who carried out pioneering work on fossil plants during the 19th century.
These plants were part of the diverse vegetation that covered large areas of the Earth during the Jurassic Period, growing alongside cycads, conifers and early ferns in warm, humid climates.
Leaf Morphology and Identifying Features
Fossils of Sphenobaiera pecten are recognised by their distinctive fan-shaped leaves divided into narrow segments, which give the plant a comb-like appearance. The species name pecten refers to this characteristic structure.
Typical morphological features include:
- Broad fan-shaped leaf form
- Deeply divided leaf segments radiating outward
- Narrow lobes with smooth margins
- Parallel venation typical of ginkgo-like plants
- Thin leaf tissue preserved as carbonised impressions
Unlike modern ginkgo leaves, which are attached to stems by a petiole, Sphenobaiera leaves are typically sessile or nearly sessile, attaching more directly to the plant stem. This difference is an important feature used by palaeobotanists when identifying fossil ginkgophytes.
The elegant fan-shaped form makes these fossils particularly attractive display specimens.
Geological Formation and Age
This fossil originates from the Scalby Formation, a Middle Jurassic rock unit well exposed along the Yorkshire coastline.
Geological information includes:
- Formation: Scalby Formation
- Geological Stage: Bathonian
- Period: Middle Jurassic
- Age: Approximately 168 to 166 million years old
- Locality: Hayburn Wyke, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
The Scalby Formation was deposited within river floodplains, lagoons and deltaic environments, where abundant vegetation grew in warm and humid conditions. Seasonal flooding and sediment deposition buried fallen leaves and plant material, allowing them to fossilise.
As a result, the formation preserves a rich fossil flora including ferns, ginkgo-like plants, cycads and early conifers, providing important insights into Jurassic ecosystems.
Discovery and Professional Preparation
This fossil was personally discovered by Alister and Alison, members of our experienced fossil hunting team who regularly explore classic British fossil sites.
After recovery from the surrounding rock, the specimen underwent careful preparation:
- Mechanical cleaning to reveal the fossil leaf
- Stabilisation of the surrounding matrix
- Careful treatment to preserve the fossil structure
All preparation work was carried out by Alison, ensuring the fossil remains both scientifically informative and visually appealing.
A Beautiful Example of Jurassic Plant Life
Plant fossils like Sphenobaiera pecten offer a rare glimpse into the lush prehistoric forests that existed during the Jurassic Period. These ancient plants played a key role in early terrestrial ecosystems, forming the vegetation that supported diverse animal life.
Specimens from Hayburn Wyke on the Yorkshire coast are particularly desirable because this locality has produced some of the most historically important Jurassic plant fossils in Britain.
Whether displayed in a fossil collection, used for educational purposes, or appreciated as a natural piece of Earth’s deep history, this fossil represents a genuine fragment of a 160-million-year-old Jurassic landscape.
The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive.
All fossils sold are 100% genuine natural specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card.
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