Leathery grapefern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leathery grapefern |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sceptridium
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| Species: |
multifidum
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| Synonyms | |
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Botrychium multifidum |
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The Sceptridium multifidum is a special kind of fern known as the leathery grapefern or leathery moonwort. It belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family, often called the Adder's tongue family. This fern gets its name because its spore-producing parts look a bit like tiny bunches of grapes!
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Where the Leathery Grapefern Lives
This amazing fern can be found all over the world. It grows in Europe, Asia, and North America. You can spot it in many different places, especially where the ground is moist. It likes various types of habitats, from forests to open fields.
What the Leathery Grapefern Looks Like
The leathery grapefern is a unique plant. It feels a bit thick and leathery to the touch. It grows from a small, short underground stem called a caudex, which has thin, corky roots.
Special Roots
Unlike most ferns, the leathery grapefern has "contractile roots." These roots are super cool because they can actually pull the plant deeper into the soil. This helps the fern stay firmly anchored and safe.
Its Unique Leaf
This fern usually grows just one leaf directly from the ground. But this isn't just any leaf! It's divided into two main parts:
- The sterile part: This part looks like a regular fern leaf. It's wide and has rounded or oval-shaped smaller leaflets. This section is all about collecting sunlight and making food for the plant.
- The fertile part: This part is very different. It's where the fern makes its spores to reproduce. It has clusters that look like tiny grapes. These "grape-like" clusters are actually sporangia, which are little cases filled with spores.
How it Reproduces
When the spores are ready, they are released into the soil. From these tiny spores, even tinier plant parts called gametophytes grow. Scientists believe these gametophytes often work with a helpful fungus that lives inside them. While these tiny gametophytes are hard to find in nature, scientists have been able to grow them in labs.
Is the Leathery Grapefern Rare?
Even though the leathery grapefern grows in many places, it is quite rare in Europe. For example, in Ukraine, there have only been 86 places where this fern has been found. This means it's a special plant that needs our care and protection!
