WHAT IS A FERN
- A clorophyll containing green plant having root stems (rhizomes) and leaves (fronds and laminae)
- with young leaves mostly opening by uncoiling, the coil called a crozier
- All growth being from a primary meristem, no secondary growth
- Having a vascular system to transfer water and metabolites
- Having protective scales, particularly on the rhizomes
- Reproducing by spores, not seeds, with a lifecycle which has two free living stages
- Water is usually essential for normal fertilization
Reference; Australian Ferns: Growing them successfully; Calder H Chaffey
RECOMMENDED FERN REFERENCE BOOKS
Bibliography
- Australian Ferns, Calder H Chaffey, 1999, Kangaroo Press ISBN 0 86417 998 7
- Australian Ferns and Fern Allies, D Jones and S Clemesha, 1980, Reed ISBN 0 589 50265 4
- Encyclopaedea of ferns, David Jones, 1987, Lothian ISBN 085091 179 6
- Ferns and allied plants, Duncan and Isaac, 1986, Melbourne University Press 0 522 84262 3
- Ferns of Queensland, S B Andrews, 1990, Qld Dept of Primary Industries ISBN 0 7242 3224 9
- Flora of Malaya, Vol 11, R E Holtuum, 1954, Govt Printing Office Singapore
- Flora of Australia, Vol 49, 1999, ABRS ISBN 0 643 05972 5
- Maidenhairs in Cultivation, Christopher Goudey, 1985, Lothian ISBN 0 85091 175 3
- Platycerium Hobbyist’s Handbook, R Vail, 1984, Desert Biological Publications 1986 ISBN 0 522 84262 3