Jurassic Period: 199.6-145.5 Million Years Ago
Gallery: Cerro Cuadrado

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Araucaria mirabilis Twin Cone Santa Cruz, Argentina 7 cm long x 7 cm wide

Cones exhibiting unusual growth patterns are of special interest. Twin seed cones are among the most sought after. When cut their seeds form a heart-shaped pattern. Some cones show twisting growth patterns that may represent pathologies due to plant or insect disease, see below.

Araucaria mirabilis Twin Cone Top View Santa Cruz, Argentina 7 cm long x 7 cm wide

The cone below exhibits an abnormal growth pattern that results in a form reminiscent of a claw.

Araucaria mirabilis "Grypen Claw" Cone Santa Cruz, Argentina 5 cm long x 4 cm wide

The cone below exhibits an inward twisting growth.

Araucaria mirabilis "Twisted Center" Cone Santa Cruz, Argentina 6 cm long x 5 cm wide