Prehistoric Hymenaea Protera Petal fossilized in amber

Hymenaea Protera
(family Leguminoseae)

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The delicate 35 million year old petal pictured above in a clear golden nugget is from the extinct Hymenaea Protera tree. This is the very same tree that produced the unique resin which would eventually become world famous Dominican amber. 

Adding to the rarity of this fossil is an unknown beetle located on the underside of the petal. This rare occurrence of an insect interacting with the flora of it's habitat, give scientists a unique snapshot of actual ecosystem relationships during prehistoric times.

 From the La Toca mines of the Dominican Republic.

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