Brittle bladder-fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brittle bladder-fern |
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| Sori | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cystopteris
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| Species: |
fragilis
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| Synonyms | |
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Filix fragilis (L.) Underw. |
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Cystopteris fragilis is a type of fern often called the brittle bladder-fern or common fragile fern. You can find this fern all over the world. It usually grows in places that are shady and a bit wet.
Contents
What is the Brittle Bladder-Fern?
The brittle bladder-fern gets its name from its delicate leaves. These leaves can break easily, making them "brittle." The "bladder-fern" part comes from the shape of the tiny covers over its spores.
Where Does it Grow?
This fern is very common and grows in many different parts of the world. It likes cool, damp spots. You might see it in forests, on rocky slopes, or even in cracks in walls. It prefers places where it doesn't get too much direct sunlight.
What Does it Look Like?
The leaves of the brittle bladder-fern can grow quite long, up to 30 or 40 centimeters (about 12 to 16 inches). Each leaf grows on a soft stem called a petiole.
Leaf Structure
Each main leaf is divided into many smaller parts. These smaller parts are called leaflets. Each leaflet is then divided even further into tiny, rounded segments. This gives the fern a delicate, lacy look.
Spores and Reproduction
If you look at the underside of the fern's leaves, you will see many small, round dots. These dots are called sori (SOH-rye). Inside each sorus are tiny cases called sporangia (spor-AN-jee-uh). These sporangia hold the fern's spores. Spores are like seeds for ferns. When the spores are ready, they are released and can grow into new fern plants.
See also
In Spanish: Helecho perejil para niños
