Rasp fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rasp fern |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: |
Polypodiales
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| (unranked): |
Eupolypods II
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| Family: |
Blechnaceae
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| Genus: |
Doodia
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| Species: |
D. media
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| Binomial name | |
| Doodia media |
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The rasp fern, also known as Doodia media, is a type of fern. In the Māori language, it is called pukupuku. This fern is part of the Blechnaceae plant family. A botanist named Robert Brown officially described this species in 1810.
Where the Rasp Fern Grows
You can find the rasp fern in New Zealand. It grows on the North Island and the upper part of the South Island. This includes areas like Nelson and Marlborough. It also lives in Australia and on Lord Howe Island.
Why Young Fronds are Pink
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Young fronds are the new leaves of the fern. The tips of these young fronds often look pink. This color comes from special chemicals called flavonoids. These flavonoids help protect the young fronds from strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Its Changing Name
Scientists study how different plants are related. They found that the group of ferns called Doodia is actually very similar to another group called Blechnum. Because of this, in 2011, scientists decided to change the names of all Doodia species.
So, Doodia media is now known as Blechnum medium (R.Br.) Christenh.. Another type, Doodia media subsp. australis, is now called Blechnum parrisii Christenh.. This helps scientists better organize and understand the fern family tree.
