Sabalites sp. Palm Leaf

Sabalites is an extinct genus of palm tree that thrived from the Late Cretaceous to the Miocene, 65 million to 15 million years ago. Sabalites palm is characterized by a round leaf blade with leaflets of individual veins. This flora grew in what are now relatively cold areas of the world--North America, South America, Asia and Europe. 60 million years ago these places were warmer in climate and covered in wet, tropical forests. These palms contributed to an environment that would have looked a lot like present-day Florida. However, the Middle Miocene brought rise to cooler temperatures, causing Sabalites to eventually die out as the beginning of the Ice Age took over.    Type: Palm Leaf FossilSpecies: Sabalites sp.Age: Middle Eocene (54 - 35 million years ago)Formation: Chuckanut FormationLocality: Washington   Size: 4.38 x 4 x 1.09 inchesWeight: 1.7 lbs.