Blechnaceae
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Chain fern family
Blechnaceae
シシガシラ科
A family centered on the genus Blechnum, most notably characterized by sori arranged in continuous lines parallel to the veins. Many species exhibit dimorphic fronds (sterile and fertile). In Japan, species such as Struthiopteris niponica and Blechnum amabile are found on moist montane forest floors.
Key Characteristics
- ●Sori arranged in continuous lines (coenosori) parallel to the costa (midrib)
- ●Indusia opening outward (toward the margin)
- ●Frond dimorphism (sterile and fertile) well-developed in many species
- ●Homosporous
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Blechnaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (ca. 100 million years ago–)
Representative Genera
コウヤシダ属（Blechnum）シシガシラ属（Struthiopteris）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Establishment of coenosorate sorus arrangement (parallel to veins)
- ・Division of labor between sterile and fertile fronds for efficient photosynthesis and spore production
Plants in Chain fern family on this site
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