Adiantaceae
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Maidenhair fern family
Adiantaceae
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A family centered on the genus Adiantum (maidenhair ferns), distinguished by fan-shaped pinnules and revolute leaf margins forming false indusia. The glossy, dark-colored stipes are also characteristic.
Key Characteristics
- βFan-shaped pinnules (ultimate segments)
- βRevolute leaf margins forming false indusia (true indusia absent)
- βStipes black to dark brown with a glossy sheen
- βVeins free and dichotomously forking
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Adiantaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (ca. 100 million years agoβ)
Representative Genera
γγ¦γ©γ€γ·γε±οΌAdiantumοΌ
Related Evolution Events
- γ»Establishment of spore protection through false indusia (revolute leaf margins)
- γ»Development of specialized adaptations to limestone and wet rock faces
Plants in Maidenhair fern family on this site
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