Florissantia quilchenensis is an extinct flower species found in western North America. This flower is part of the Malvaceae Family, which also includes the Cocoa (chocolate) and Mallow (marshmallow) plants. The best preserved specimens of Florissantia are found in at the Stonerose fossil site.
Next spring I’m planning on going fossil hunting with my friend, Susan, who gave me this specimen she found.
It looks like a rose, but smells like a rock. Go figure.
This delicate little flower is 50 million years old. Wow!