Bulblet fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bulblet fern |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cystopteris
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| Species: |
bulbifera
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| Synonyms | |
The Bulblet fern, also called Cystopteris bulbifera, is a special type of fern. It belongs to the family Cystopteridaceae. This fern gets its name from the tiny "bulblets" it grows on its leaves.
Where the Bulblet Fern Lives
This fern naturally grows in eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. You can also find it in the Midwestern United States. There are even two smaller groups of them far away in the Southwestern United States.
The Bulblet fern loves to grow on rocky surfaces. It especially likes rocks made of limestone, which is a type of rock rich in calcium. You'll often see it hanging around the openings of caves. While it mostly grows on vertical rock walls, it can also be found in piles of loose rocks.
What Does the Bulblet Fern Look Like?
The Bulblet fern is a low-growing plant. It has stems that creep along the ground. Its leaves, called fronds, are long and narrow. They can grow up to about 75 centimeters (30 inches) long.
What makes Cystopteris bulbifera really unique are its special "bulblets." These are tiny, round growths found on the underside of its fronds. Most ferns don't have these! These bulblets are actually miniature plant parts. They can drop off the main fern and grow into a brand new fern plant. This makes the Bulblet fern one of the easiest Cystopteris species to identify.
Fern Family Connections
Sometimes, the Bulblet fern can mix its genes with other types of ferns. This process is called hybridizing. When it hybridizes with other ferns, it can create new kinds of ferns. For example, it can hybridize with Cystopteris fragilis or Cystopteris protrusa. These new ferns are a mix of both parent plants.
