Black Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Observed on a wet, shady cliff face at Tonto Natural Bridge, north of Payson, Gila Co., Arizona, USA. 19 Oct. 2014.
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LEAVES: The fronds (leaves) are divided again and again into many palmate segments. The rachis (stem) is dark and wiry.
PERENNIAL: Herbaceous, often pendulous stems sometimes reaching a half meter or more.
SPORANGIA: Reproduction by spores which are in crescent-shaped structures (indusium) at the leaf edges.
RANGE: Found in suitable situations where spring water seeps from a rock face. Warm temperate and subtropical locations world wide.
Pteridaceae -- Brake Fern Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- USDA Plant Profile
- Wikipedia
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search