
27 • A Fossilised Pine Cone
Argentina; 170 million years old
7 × 6 cm; Araucaria mirabilis
Though now extinct Araucaria trees were a prevalent species of tree in Patagonia at a time when dinosaurs roamed the planet. Due to a huge volcanic eruption which buried forests in deep volcanic ash for millions of years, cones such as these are found immaculately preserved. They are highly prized and no longer permitted for export by Argentina.