Poison rock fern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poison rock fern |
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| Rock fern growing by the Lane Cove River, Australia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cheilanthes
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| Species: |
sieberi
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The Cheilanthes sieberi is a small fern plant. It grows in many places, including Australia, New Zealand, and islands nearby. People often call it the poison rock fern or mulga fern.
This fern can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall. It is a very common plant. You can find it in many different kinds of places. It grows in dry areas, like deserts. But it also grows where there is a lot of rain, sometimes over 1500 millimeters (about 60 inches) each year.
Where the Rock Fern Grows
In desert areas, the Cheilanthes sieberi often grows in shady, rocky places. These are usually small valleys or cracks in rocks. Near the coast, this fern can grow in sunny spots. It might be found in thin soil or in cracks on rocks. This shows how tough and adaptable this fern is.
Why It's Called Poison Rock Fern
The common name poison rock fern comes from a special reason. If farm animals like sheep and cattle eat too much of this fern, it can make them sick. Farmers need to be careful so their animals do not eat too much of it. This is why it has the name "poison" in it.
