300,000,000 years ago, in the Carboniferous Period, Earth was a dense tropical jungle. Lush forests were home to all manner of prehistoric creatures and swampy landscapes covered the surface. We know of this incredible time thanks to the fossil imprints left behind by plants that were preserved for millions of years.

This specimen is a 7.29" fossil plant from the genus Mariopteris that was recovered from a coal bed in Poland. The lower section of the matrix appears to contain an Alethopteris fossil as well. Mining sites like this are the perfect place to find highly detailed fossils from the Carboniferous, as coal-rich areas were formed during this period.