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Sceptridium multifidum Uncoiling frond of a Sceptridium multifidum plant at the edge of an abandoned beaver pond (now a sedge meadow) on thin peaty soil over bedrock. Geotagged,Leathery Grapefern,Sceptridium multifidum,Summer,United States Click/tap to enlarge

Sceptridium multifidum

Uncoiling frond of a Sceptridium multifidum plant at the edge of an abandoned beaver pond (now a sedge meadow) on thin peaty soil over bedrock.

    comments (4)

  1. Are these ones that you monitor each year? I remember you saying something before about keeping track of them... Posted 6 years ago
    1. This is a new and far distant group. Posted 6 years ago
      1. Gotcha! It's great that you found more. Is this species still uncommon in your area? Posted 6 years ago
        1. It was once considered rare here but that was probably because few people were able to recognize it and not many people were looking for it. Also, there are some similar species, including a couple of really rare ones, that added to the confusion. Since the 1980s many new populations have been found and the different species are better understood. Posted 6 years ago

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''Sceptridium multifidum'' is a fern species in the Ophioglossaceae, known by the common names leathery grapefern and leathery moonwort. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, where it is widespread and grows in moist areas in many habitat types. This is a fleshy, leathery plant growing from a small caudex with thin, corky roots. Unlike most ferns, ''S. multifidum'' has contractile roots, which are thought to help anchor the plant in the soil. It produces a single leaf which emerges directly.. more

Similar species: Ophioglossales
Species identified by Gary B
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By Gary B

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jun 30, 2019. Captured Jun 26, 2019 09:40 in Forest Rte 348, Finland, MN 55603, USA.
  • SAMSUNG-SM-G930A
  • f/1.7
  • 1/60s
  • ISO64
  • 4.2mm