The diversity and significance of ferns

There are about 10 thousand species of ferns known in the world. Here are some of them:

Common bracken is a common plant growing in dry pine forests, in clearings, near roads.

The common ostrich is often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, as it has long leaves collected in a rosette.

The female cochidian is similar to the common ostrich, but it has more fragile leaves.

The male shieldwort is a poisonous plant that is used in folk medicine. Antihelminthic agents are prepared from its rhizome.

The hairy bone is a rare protected plant. It is a moisture-loving, shade-loving and relatively thermophilic plant. It is widespread in the lower forest belt of the Caucasus Mountains, where it forms whole thickets along limestone rocks in gorges. The leaves of the plant persist even in winter.

The bony bone is a protected plant, the leaves of which are preserved even in winter.

The period of development of the Earth, when ferns were among the leading plants, is called the Carboniferous period. At that time, the climate was warm and humid, and the tree ferns reached 45 m in height. Over millions of years, plant residues have accumulated and compressed to form coal. On the pieces of coal, you can find prints of ancient ferns.

Today, tree ferns are preserved in some places, such as New Zealand. Fallen fern leaves, like tree leaves, are a good fertilizer for the soil. Fern roots help hold the soil and prevent it from washing out.