Cystopteris tenuis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cystopteris tenuis |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Cystopteris
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| Species: |
tenuis
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Cystopteris tenuis, also known as Mackay's bladder fern or Mackay's fragile fern, is a type of fern. For a long time, people thought it was just a variety of another fern called Cystopteris fragilis.
Contents
What is Mackay's Fragile Fern?
This fern is special because it formed from a mix of two different parent fern species. One of these parents is Cystopteris protrusa. The other parent, called Cystopteris hemifragilis, is thought to be an extinct species, meaning it no longer exists.
How it Forms New Ferns
Cystopteris tenuis can also mix with other ferns to create new types of ferns.
- It can cross with C. bulbifera to make a hybrid fern called C. Xillinoensis.
- It can cross with C. tennesseensis to make C. Xwagneri.
- It can also cross with C. fragilis and C. protrusa to create other unnamed hybrid ferns.
Where Does it Grow?
Mackay's fragile fern likes to grow on rocks or in areas with loose, broken rocks (called scree). It usually prefers sheltered spots, especially in the northeastern United States.
How to Tell it Apart
You can tell Cystopteris tenuis apart from a similar fern, Cystopteris tennesseensis, by a few things:
- C. tenuis grows on rocks or soil that is acidic (like lemon juice).
- C. tennesseensis grows on rocks or soil that is calcareous, meaning it has a lot of lime.
- The fronds (leaves) of C. tenuis are wider. Its pinnae (leaflets) are usually arranged in an alternating pattern.
- The fronds of C. tennesseensis are narrower. Its pinnae are usually arranged directly opposite each other.
