Cystopteris alpina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cystopteris alpina |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cystopteris
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| Species: |
alpina
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Cystopteris alpina, also known as the Alpine Bladder-fern, is a type of fern. It belongs to the family called Cystopteridaceae. This fern is very similar to another fern, C. fragilis. Some scientists used to think they were the same species.
However, experts now believe that Cystopteris alpina is a special kind of fern. It formed from two different parent ferns mixing their genes. One of its likely parents is Cystopteris montana. C. alpina can also mix with C. fragilis. This happens in places like Scandinavia. You can sometimes find ferns that look like a mix of both in North Wales.
Where This Fern Grows
The Alpine Bladder-fern is a plant that loves mountains. It grows in upland areas. You can find it across most of Europe. Its range also stretches into Russia and the mountain regions of West Asia. It is very common in Northern Scandinavia, the Alps, and the Pyrenees mountains.
Sadly, in Britain, this fern is thought to be extinct. It was only ever found in one spot in Upper Teesdale. The last time anyone saw it there was in 1911.
How This Fern Lives
Cystopteris alpina has specific needs to grow well. It only grows on limestone rocks. It also needs places that are damp. You will mostly find it in higher, upland areas.
