Content
- The fern in the profile - the most important thing in brief
- Ferns - unlike most others
- A witness of the prehistoric times
- Toxic and curative?
- Inspected from foot to head
- Tips & Tricks
Ferns have been around for millions of years and they exist all over the world
The fern in the profile - the most important thing in brief
Whether consciously or unconsciously - almost every gardener has a fern in his green home. Since he does not seem particularly sensational and is colorful, he often goes unnoticed. He is really interesting!
Ferns - unlike most others
Here are the most important facts about the fern:
A witness of the prehistoric times
The fern is a witness of primeval times. He has been colonizing the earth for millions of years. He used to be less a shadowy person than he is today. As he grew as tall as trees and covered whole regions.
Toxic and curative?
All representatives of the approximately 12,000 ferns are poisonous. While some species are highly toxic, others are classified as low toxicity. Both humans and animals such as cats should refrain from consumption. Applied externally ferns, however, are non-toxic.
In the past, the focus was more on the healing power of the fern. The fern has been valued and used, among other things, as a control against worms and other vermin. Tapeworms in particular should be banished from the body in no time.
Inspected from foot to head
While in the ground a creeping rhizome spreads in most fern species, the fronds rise up on the surface. With them, the ferns are between 10 cm and 250 cm high. The fronds are simple to multiply pinnate, often slightly overhanging and usually colored green. There are also varieties with red or silvery-white fronds.
Ferns do not produce flowers, fruits or seeds. They create spore capsules on the underside of their fronds. Each capsule can contain up to 500 spores. The spores fall out and germinate in a moist, shady place.
Tips & Tricks
Most ferns hardly require care. Only if you keep them in the room, you should water them regularly and fertilize.