Ferns have been common on this planet since time immemorial. Especially in the tropics and there in the rain forest you can find them at every turn. But what are the characteristics of ferns? How are these plants constructed from bottom to top?

Ferns reproduce via spores and never bear flowers

Basement: The Roots

Most of the time, the fern develops a rootstock below the surface of the earth. The fine roots rest on it. Some types of ferns, such as the funnel fern, also produce several foothills that are several meters long. With them, these plants like to spread uncontrollably.

1st floor: The shoot axis or trunk

These herbaceous perennials form a shoot axis or stalk just above the ground. These are equipped with a sophisticated water pipe system. There are fine tubes that carry the water from the roots up to the leaves. The exception is the tree fern. He has no shoot axis, but a woody trunk.

2nd floor: The fronds

The next level forms the chlorophyll-rich foliage. The different types and varieties of ferns allow for numerous shapes and colors of foliage. Whether green, red or silvery-grey, single-pinnate, twice-pinnate or multi-pinnate - the diversity is great.

The leaves, which are called fronds in ferns, are composed of a leaf blade and a petiole. As a rule, they hang down like palm fronds in an arc. When they bud, they are curled up in an interesting way. They can be deciduous, evergreen or evergreen.

Ferns do not have flowers, fruits or seeds

Other distinctive features of ferns are the following:

  • have no flowers
  • produce no fruit and no seeds
  • are so-called spore plants
  • Spores are used for reproduction
  • Spores are located in spore cases on the underside of the fronds
  • Spores mature in summer and are spread by the wind

tips and tricks

Even if ferns do not produce fruit or seeds. They spread wildly with their spores and don't care about casualties. Think carefully beforehand whether you really want to plant a fern.

Category:

Vegetable garden