BEAUTIFUL FERNS
Ferns and fern allies are non-flowering plants. Although flowers are not present, the architecture of leaves is marvelous and most of the species are ornamental plants.
"The bright coloured flowers are admired by the least intellectuals. But the beauty of form and texture of ferns require a higher degree of mental perception and a more cultivated intellect for its proper appreciation". Abraham Stansfield.
"Ferns in art convey the idea of solitary humility, frankness and sincerity. Because they conceal their grace and beauty in forest depth". Ferguson.
![Cyathea crinita - Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gjcNgZgrSY5PMCj74HVun8lyv2o9wpAUJRcpwNBtx1GVrYJA94_x-g2pqP32okvHGribZ6swYqshOr2DP9OsK2vv8vC3Ij5jB1OWq0k3xvlOgCQCQy3BMxFEbWlCgQ8IxQz6v71owXsY/s320/DSC03648.JPG) |
Cyathea crinita - Confined to South India and Sri Lanka - Endangered fern. Fernary - Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur-Kodaikanal |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXAGNHSKsmVZyx8m7AtTvab2tudNy9VYpWo4MkRWUDReA5M-t9gP_jXwBt3s6TLfcgZvEOkPBTsZ7U9MGTDIY8ON66Vc8zOCGXALH6CbZ4gDu-tv4rYMx0aC3zSg1M4Gaq2OhFZDGcE6P/s320/F1000025.JPG) |
Cyathea nilgirensis - Western Ghats - Upper Kothayar Endemic to South India |
Several ferns have been named based on their beauty as follows:
Silver ferns - Pteris argyraea, Pityrogramma calomelanos var. calomelanos
Peacock tail fern - Actiniopteris radiata
Royal fern - Osmunda species
Adder's tongue fern - Ophioglossum species
Spider fern - Pteris multifida
Stag horn fern - Ceratopteris thalictroides
"Nai sevi" fern
( Dog's ear fern) - Hemionitis arifolia
Maiden hair ferns - Adiantum species
Filmy ferns - Hymenophyllum species, Trichomanes species
Bird's nest fern - Asplenium nidus
Bird's foot fern - Pellaea mucronifolia
Tongue like fern - Pyrrosia lingua
Ostrich fern - Metteuccia struthiopteris
Christmas fern - Poystichum acrostichoides
Basket fern - Dryopteris wallichiana
Horse tail - Equisetum sp.