This supplement is
additional information to the following article as seen
in Issue Eight:
Ferns
- Classic Queenslanders and Shady Characters
(pp. 34-37)
by Paul Hoffmann MAIH Horticulturist
– Brisbane
Ferns are ancient plants which have been around
for over 300 million years. Fossil evidence pre dates
the dinosaurs, with ferns dominating the earth’s
landscape 200 million years before flowering plants,
conifers and cycads ever existed. There are over 10,000
different species of ferns throughout the world ranging
from the hot tropics to the cold artic. Queensland is
home to 200 of the 400 natural species of ferns found
throughout Australia.
Secret lives of ferns
Ferns differ from other plants and it can be said that
they are still living in the dark ages, as they don’t
produce seed but spores. Spores are microscopic dust
which are found in spore sacs on the under sides of
mature leaves. The spore sacs may take the form of brown
lines, spots or larges patches of brown felt which can
cover the leaf surface.
When the spores are ripe they are released and will
float away with the wind. If they land on a moist favorable
environment they may develop into a fern. However, the
job is not over yet, depending on the species it takes
a few months to develop into the next stage, prothallus
or gametophyte a small heart shaped plantlet. If conditions
stay right fertilisation will take place and the fern
will develop into maturity. It is much easier to propagate
some ferns from rhizomes or underground runners. Just
cut them off and plant into a pot or in the garden.
Fern leaves are referred to as fronds which can grow
up to 6m long depending on the species. The new frond
gracefully emerges from the base of the fern and uncoils
itself to unveil the true beauty of the species. This
is very evident in the new growth of the tree ferns
and the king fern.
Potted plants
Ferns don’t have a large root system which makes
them ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets.
And in this time of water restriction, Ferns can easily
be watered with excess water from the shower or sink.
Ferns will also brighten up your office space:
- Birds nest fern Asplenium with many different
hybrids and species.
- Maiden Hair fern, every one favorite, looks great
in a pot.
- Hare’s foot fern Davallia pyxidata,
Native hairs foot looks great in hanging basket.
- Leather Fern Rumohra adiantiformis
Aquatic fern
Nardoo, Marsilea drummondi is a native aquatic fern
which look like a four leaved clover and grows in shallow
still water.
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