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osmunda

Scientific Name: Osmunda

Family: Osmundaceae

Category: Fern

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Osmunda: A Majestic Fern

The genus Osmunda encompasses a group of ferns, primarily found in temperate regions, belonging to the family Osmundaceae. Anywhere from five to ten species are recognized within this genus.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species have fine hairs on young fronds, which could be a mild irritant.
  • Spores are borne on the fronds of some species.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Osmunda
  • Family: Osmundaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms (for Osmunda regalis):
    • Osmunda capensis C.Presl
    • Osmunda regalis L. var. capensis (C. Presl) Milde
    • Osmunda schelpei A.E.Bobrov
    • Osmunda transvaalensis A.E.Bobrov

Common Species

  • Osmunda regalis: Known as Royal Fern, Old World Royal Fern, Flowering Fern, or Regal Fern.
  • Osmunda javanica
  • Osmunda cinnamomea: Known as Cinnamon Fern.
  • Osmunda X ruggii: A hybrid fern.
  • Osmundastrum
  • Osmunda pulchella

Distribution and Habitat

  • Osmunda regalis is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It thrives in woodland bogs and along stream banks.
  • Also found around the Mediterranean basin.
  • Osmunda cinnamomea is native to North America.
  • Range : A sub-cosmopolitan species, with a sub-Atlantic distribution in Europe.

Morphology and Growth

  • Osmunda ferns are medium-sized to large deciduous ferns.
  • They typically grow in wet areas.
  • Fronds can be erect or arching, and pinnate or bipinnate.
  • Osmunda regalis has bi-pinnate leaves and can reach over 6ft in length. It forms a distinct clump of tall, arching fronds of bright green divided leaves.
  • Young fronds of some species are pink and covered in fine hairs, turning coppery-brown and becoming green.
  • Some species develop a small trunk over time.
  • Some develop shades of tan in Autumn.
  • Osmunda cinnamomea has a conspicuously clumped growth form.
  • Osmunda cinnamomea's Fertile deciduous fronds turn cinnamon colored when fertile.

Ecological Role

  • Suitable for damp to boggy shade.

Quirky Facts

  • The Royal Fern is said to be named after Osmunder, the Saxon name for Thor. Legend has it that Thor hid his family in a clump of these ferns.
  • Osmunda regalis is unusual as it forms new fertile fronds in autumn, unlike most ferns that do so in spring or summer.

Additional Information

  • The matted fibrous roots of these ferns are called osmunda fibre, used as a growing medium.