Christella normalis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christella normalis
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Cyclosorus kunthii (Desv.) Christenh. Dryopteris normalis C.Chr. Dryopteris saxatilis (R.P.St.John) M.Broun Dryopteris unca (R.P.St.John) M.Broun Filix-mas augescens var. normalis (C.Chr.) Farw. Lastrea kunthii Moore Lastrea normalis (C.Chr.) Copel. Nephrodium kunthii Desv. Nephrodium patens Jenman Thelypteris kunthii (Desv.) C.V.Morton Thelypteris macrorhizoma E.P.St.John Thelypteris normalis (C.Chr.) Moxley Thelypteris saxatilis R.P.St.John Thelypteris unca R.P.St.John

The southern shield fern (scientific name: Christella normalis) is also known as Kunth's maiden fern. It is one of the most common ferns in the southeastern United States. You can find it from the fall line (a line of small waterfalls and rapids) all the way west to eastern Texas.

This fern usually grows in places that are moist or dry, often on the ground. It can also grow on rocks, which is called epipetric. Sometimes, it escapes from greenhouses and starts growing wild in areas north of where it usually lives.

What is a Fern?

Ferns are ancient plants that have been around for millions of years! Unlike flowering plants, ferns do not produce seeds or flowers. Instead, they reproduce using tiny spores. These spores are usually found in small dots or lines on the underside of their leaves, which are called fronds.

Where the Southern Shield Fern Lives

This fern loves warm, humid places. It's very common in the southeastern United States. It can grow in many different spots:

• On the ground: This is called terrestrial. It likes moist soil but can also handle drier conditions.
• On rocks: This is called epipetric. It can grow in cracks and crevices on rocky surfaces.
• Escaping greenhouses: Sometimes, ferns grown in greenhouses (like a plant nursery) can spread outside into the wild. This is how the southern shield fern can sometimes be found in cooler areas where it doesn't naturally grow.

Why So Many Names?

You might have noticed that this fern has a few different names, like Christella normalis and Thelypteris kunthii. These are called synonyms. In science, plants and animals often get different names over time as scientists learn more about them. For example, Thelypteris kunthii is an older scientific name for this fern. The common names, like "southern shield fern" or "Kunth's maiden fern," are easier for everyone to use.

Images for kids

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  A southern shield fern growing in its natural habitat.