1-2 Blechnaceae, chain fern family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Keywords:

Pteridophyte, fern, chain fern, Woodwardia, species-at-risk

Abstract

Mostly distributed in the south–temperate and tropical zones, 250 species in 10 genera belong here. NS has a single genus of coarse ferns. Rhizomes and stipes bear scales at least at the base. Blades may be reddish when young, and are also once or twice-pinnate. The veins remain separate on the sterile fronds and join to form the sori–bearing secondary veins, on the fertile fronds. Sori are elongated; indusia are present. Spores are kidney–shaped. Photographs by David Mazerolle and Alain Belliveau.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Director; Adjunct Professor