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Filmy Ferns (14)
LordPotty
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1455 W: 146 N: 3791]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (12143) | Filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) are a very distinctive group of plants characterised by thin,almost translucent leaves,which completely dry and shrivel up in dry weather,only to revive and continue growing after fresh rain.
There are 27 species of filmy ferns in New Zealand,all found in rainforest areas.
Unlike most ferns that have sori (spore producing capsules) underneath the fronds,the filmy ferns all have sori situated around the outside margin.
Two types of filmy ferns are plainly seen here.
The feathery Hymenophylum demissum and the distinctive Kidney Fern,Trichomanes reniforme.
If you look carefully you can see the dark dots of sori around the edges of the leaves.
Filmy ferns are found throughout New Zealand in damp forest habitats from low to high altitudes and even on the Sub-Antarctic Islands. |
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