Hymenophyllaceae

From Gardenology.org - Plant Encyclopedia and Gardening Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search


Upload.png


Plant Characteristics
Cultivation
Scientific Names

Hymenophyllaceae >



Read about Hymenophyllaceae in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Hymenophyllaceae (from the genus Hymenophyllum, signifying membrane-leaved). Filmy-fern Family. Fig. 2. Very delicate ferns, small or minute in size, frequently epiphytic: leaves entire, 1-3-pinnate, or dichotomously divided, rarely thalloid or orbicular, reduced in thickness to a single layer of cells between the veins, and thus often resembling the leaves of mosses; stomates absent; ultimate or all veins dichotomous: sori marginal, raised on a slender columnar projection of the veinlet: indusium cup-shaped: sporangium thin-walled; dehiscence vertical or oblique; annulus complete, horizontal: prothallium thalloid or filamentous, often much branched.

There are 2 genera and about 200 species growing upon rocks and trees in the damp, shady forests of the tropics, and in New Zealand. One species reaches central Europe and another reaches Kentucky. The family is readily distinguished by the delicate leaf, pedicelled sorus and equatorial annulus.

The Hymenophyllaceae require a warm and very humid atmosphere, and, therefore, most species are difficult to cultivate.

Several species of Hymenophyllum and Trichomanes are in cultivation in America. CH


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

References

External links