Biology

Size:

rhizome 5mm wide
leaves 10–18mm wide and 10–15cm long

Physiology

During the winter period, this fern species sheds its leaves. This behaviour is unusual for a fern and may be an adaptation to the climate of its alpine habitats - the plant extends the winter dormancy of the sporophyte and can deal with the water stress during the winter months.

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Glossary

Dehiscent

Plant structures that open at maturity.

Epiphytic

Grows on another plant or structure, but does not derive nutrition from it.

Indehiscent

Plant structures, such as fruits that do not open at maturity.

Ovate-lanceolate

Having a shape between oval and lance-like.

Paraphyses

Erect sterile filaments occurring amongst reproductive organs in plants.

Segregate genus

A segregate genus is created when a genus is split off, from another genus.

Sori

Clusters of sporangia.

Sporangia

Spore producing structures.

Water stress

Occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period.