Adintum capillus-veneris
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Maidenhair ferns
Maidenhair ferns are ferns of the genus Adiantum, which contains about 200 species. It is the only genus of the family Adiantaceae. The genus name comes from the Greek, meaning "not wetting", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.
Rough Maidenhair Fern (Adiantium hispidulum)Maidenhair ferns are distinctive in appearance, with dark, often black stipes and rachises, and bright green, often delicately-cut leaf tissue. The sori are borne submarginally, and are covered by reflexed flaps of leaf tissue which resemble indusia. Dimorphism between sterile and fertile fronds is generally subtle.
Maidenhair ferns generally prefer humus-rich, moist, well-drained sites, ranging from bottomland soils to vertical rock walls. Many species are especially known for growing on rock walls around waterfalls and water seepage areas.
Delta Maidenhair Adiantium raddianumTwo species are commonly native to the eastern United States, with one of these common to western Europe. The Five-finger fern (Adiantum pedatum) is a distinctively American species, with a highly distinctive frond form and a bifurcating frond that radiates pinnae on one side only (see photo in taxobox). It grows from sub-arctic North America into the deep south of the U.S.
The other American species, which also grows in Europe, is the Venus-hair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris. This fern is strictly a southern species in the U.S., and in Europe is confined to the mild, humid Atlantic fringes, including the west of the British Isles.
Many species are grown in the horticultural trade, including both of the species mentioned, as well as a number of tropical species, including A. raddianum and A. peruvianum.
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Plant in Armenia
Ադիանթ (“Adiant”)
Status
This disappearing fern was known only from Jermuk and around village Tatev. Not very long ago Tatev population used to cover the whole area of Devil’s Bridge.
Habitat in Armenia
Met in the floristic region of Dareleghis, Yerevan, and Zangezur.
Habitat and ecology
Grows in in-between rocks, near waterfalls, and on the hills.
Biology and potential value
This fern is very vulnerable. Some single species have scientific interest.
Measures of protection
Tatev and Jermuk populations should be restored by declaring these regions reserves. Strict control should be made for the population on the Mountain Urts.