For all tropical, subtropical and warm climate gardens
subTropical Gardening and landscaping in warm climates
Home Editor's Welcome This Issue Past Issues Get It Now Events Directory Advertisers Contact
Email
   

Issue 8

This supplement is additional information to the following article as seen in Issue Eight:

Ferns - Classic Queenslanders and Shady Characters
(pp. 34-37)

by Paul Hoffmann MAIH Horticulturist – Brisbane


Ferns are ancient plants which have been around for over 300 million years. Fossil evidence pre dates the dinosaurs, with ferns dominating the earth’s landscape 200 million years before flowering plants, conifers and cycads ever existed. There are over 10,000 different species of ferns throughout the world ranging from the hot tropics to the cold artic. Queensland is home to 200 of the 400 natural species of ferns found throughout Australia.

Secret lives of ferns
Ferns differ from other plants and it can be said that they are still living in the dark ages, as they don’t produce seed but spores. Spores are microscopic dust which are found in spore sacs on the under sides of mature leaves. The spore sacs may take the form of brown lines, spots or larges patches of brown felt which can cover the leaf surface.

When the spores are ripe they are released and will float away with the wind. If they land on a moist favorable environment they may develop into a fern. However, the job is not over yet, depending on the species it takes a few months to develop into the next stage, prothallus or gametophyte a small heart shaped plantlet. If conditions stay right fertilisation will take place and the fern will develop into maturity. It is much easier to propagate some ferns from rhizomes or underground runners. Just cut them off and plant into a pot or in the garden.

Fern leaves are referred to as fronds which can grow up to 6m long depending on the species. The new frond gracefully emerges from the base of the fern and uncoils itself to unveil the true beauty of the species. This is very evident in the new growth of the tree ferns and the king fern.

Potted plants
Ferns don’t have a large root system which makes them ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets. And in this time of water restriction, Ferns can easily be watered with excess water from the shower or sink. Ferns will also brighten up your office space:

  • Birds nest fern Asplenium with many different hybrids and species.
  • Maiden Hair fern, every one favorite, looks great in a pot.
  • Hare’s foot fern Davallia pyxidata, Native hairs foot looks great in hanging basket.
  • Leather Fern Rumohra adiantiformis

Aquatic fern
Nardoo, Marsilea drummondi is a native aquatic fern which look like a four leaved clover and grows in shallow still water.


MAIN | TOP


 

   
 
Ph/Fax 07 3294 8914 | PO Box 2232 Toowong QLD 4066 Australia | ABN 79 113 106 862
 
© 2005-2011 Subtropicalia Media Pty Ltd T/A Subtropical Gardening – All Rights Reserved
 
   
"));