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fragile filmy fern

Scientific Name: Hymenophyllum fragile

Family: Hymenophyllaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Fragile Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum fragile)

The Fragile Filmy Fern, scientifically known as Hymenophyllum fragile, is a delicate and fascinating fern species belonging to the Hymenophyllaceae family, also known as the filmy fern family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This fern is noted for its "fragile" nature, suggesting delicate fronds that could be easily damaged if handled.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Hymenophyllum fragile (Hedw.) Morton
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Hymenophyllum fragile (Hedw.) C.V. Morton
  • Family: Hymenophyllaceae
  • The genus name Hymenophyllum means "membrane leaf," referring to the thin, translucent nature of the fronds.

Common Names

  • Fragile Filmy Fern

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Tunbridge filmy fern (Hymenophyllum tunbrigense) exhibits an almost worldwide distribution in temperate rainforests and mountain cloud forests.
  • Filmy ferns are found in the most humid parts of Jocassee Gorges.
  • One source mentions the occurrence of a filmy fern genus Hymenophyllum in Central Africa (Zaire, Rwanda).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • These are small, fragile perennial leptosporangiate ferns.
  • They often form large dense colonies of overlapping leaves.
  • The fronds are described as tiny, fragile, and easily overlooked.
  • The leaves (fronds) are thin, fragile, and translucent, being only one cell thick between the leaf veins.

Ecological Role

  • Filmy ferns thrive in humid environments due to their reliance on moisture. Their thin fronds make them particularly susceptible to drying out.
  • They often grow on trees, alongside mosses and lichens.

Quirky Facts

  • The fronds are described as being only one cell thick, contributing to their fragile nature.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions that filmy ferns can be found festooning trees along with polypods.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Hymenophyllum fragile.
  • Missouri Botanical Garden's VAST (VAScular Tropicos) database includes information: Link to Missouri Botanical Garden