Smooth cliffbrake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smooth cliffbrake |
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The smooth cliffbrake (Pellaea glabella) is a type of fern. For a long time, people thought it was just a smaller version of another fern called the purple-stem cliffbrake. But now we know it's its own special plant!
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About the Smooth Cliffbrake
This fern is special because it exists in two forms. Scientists call these "cryptic species." One form is diploid, meaning it has two sets of chromosomes. This form reproduces in the usual way, like many plants.
The other form is tetraploid, which means it has four sets of chromosomes. This form usually reproduces without needing another plant. It can make new plants all by itself. Scientists have found that this tetraploid form is one of the parents of the original P. × atropurpurea fern.
Where the Smooth Cliffbrake Grows
The smooth cliffbrake fern loves to grow on rocks. It particularly likes limestone that has been worn down by weather. You'll often find it in places that get more sunlight than its cousin, the purple-stem cliffbrake.
How to Spot a Smooth Cliffbrake
It's easy to tell the smooth cliffbrake apart from other ferns. Look closely at its small leaf parts, called pinnae. These pinnae are attached directly to the stem, or very close to it. Also, the main stems, called stipes, are smooth. They do not have any hairs on them.
Different Kinds of Smooth Cliffbrake
Scientists have found four different types, or subspecies, of the smooth cliffbrake:
- Pellaea glabella subsp. glabella
- Pellaea glabella subsp. missouriensis
- Pellaea glabella subsp. occidentalis
- Pellaea glabella subsp. simplex
The glabella and simplex subspecies are the tetraploid forms. This means they have four sets of chromosomes. The missouriensis and occidentalis subspecies are the diploid forms. They have two sets of chromosomes.
You can also tell them apart by how they feel. The glabella and missouriensis types have tiny, hair-like scales near the middle vein of their leaves. But the simplex and occidentalis types are completely smooth. They don't have any hairs at all.
