Fabulous Ferns are next in my series on succession. They are shown here establishing themselves on moss, which you'll remember outcompeted lichen, the initial colonisers of bare rock. Ferns are a step up from moss, in that they are vascularised plants, ie have vessels for water, and therefore require a slightly thicker soil in which to establish their roots. The moss traps dust and decaying matter to provide a suitable soil. Ferns may be a step up from moss but they are still pretty ancient species, as given away by their reproductive lifecycle in which they produce fertile spores on their leaves. No flowering and seed formation for them. But fabulous fronds that uncurl like a party kazoo more than make up for it.
They are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI saw how to 'breed them' a few years ago.
When the spores are just ripe (chose the moment carefully) shake them onto clean or sterilised paper, tap a few onto a clean paper towel and place in a sealed, sterilised jar or polythene bag with a few drops of water. Keep warm and watch the progress.