Is this fern okay? (spores vs. bugs)

Squash713 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 02:51 PM

I found a sweet small-growing fern while hiking in central PA, and am considering using it in a viv until some of the broms and orchids grow in more. (I know it's temperate, and needs a cool period to thrive.)

I've had a few in quarantine for the past couple of weeks, and want to make sure that what I'm observing is actually spore production and not some kind of infestation. What do you think? This is the underside of the leaf.

harrywitmore · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 05:36 PM

Those are indeed spore patches, sori. If you will post a picture of the plant we can most likely get an ID for it.

Squash713 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 06:37 PM

Thanks for the confirmation, Harry.

Here's a picture of the leaf. The largest leaf pictured is 3-1/4" (8.5cm), which is the longest I've ever seen them get. Is it possible to ID from this?

harrywitmore · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 06:56 PM

It looks like a fern from the Polypodium vulgare complex. I suspect it is most likely P. virginianum but they are very hard to tell apart. It may surprise you and do well in you viv.

dirtmonkey · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 08:27 AM

If the ferns spores spread and germinate in there you might get some cool mossy/liverwort looking stuff that could pop up new baby ferns too.

Hmmm. Maybe I should try a few rhizomes of our native Polypodium glycyrrhiza. There's a similar species out near the coast, and a small holly-fern type out there too. Maybe one of them still has the genes to live in warmer climates.

V

harrywitmore · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 07:51 PM

Vincent, I have tried that one and it indeed did well in a terrarium for 2 years or until I gutted it and started over.