Adder’s tongue fern
The name “Adder’s Tongue” comes from the appearance of the fertile frond (spore-bearing structure), which resembles a snake’s tongue. The sterile fronds, which are much larger and more conspicuous, resemble a traditional fern leaf. This contrast between the two types of fronds is a characteristic feature of ferns in the genus Ophioglossum.
The life cycle of Adder’s Tongue Ferns is also distinctive and fascinating. They reproduce both by spores and by a specialized underground structure called a corm. The corm is a thickened, vertical stem that stores nutrients and allows the fern to survive adverse conditions and produce new fronds each year.
Adder’s Tongue Ferns are not commonly cultivated and are typically found in their native habitats. Due to their small size and often hidden locations, they may not be as well-known as other fern species, but they play an essential role in their ecosystems and contribute to the diversity of plant life. As with any fern or plant, it’s important to respect their natural habitats and refrain from disturbing them in the wild.
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