Filmy fern family
Hymenophyllaceae

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Filmy fern family

Hymenophyllaceae

コケシノブ科

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A distinctive group of ferns with translucent membranous fronds only 1–2 cells thick. Epiphytic on trees, rocks, and damp forest surfaces in high-humidity environments, intolerant of desiccation. About 600 species distributed in humid habitats from the tropics to temperate regions, with Hymenophyllum species native to Japan.

Key Characteristics

  • ●Frond lamina membranous, only 1–2 cells thick (translucent)
  • ●Extremely desiccation-sensitive, specialized for high-humidity environments
  • ●Sori marginal, enclosed in tubular or bivalved involucres
  • ●Rhizome slender, creeping; mostly epiphytic

Phylogenetic Position

Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Hymenophyllales > Hymenophyllaceae

Divergence Era

Jurassic (approx. 180 million years ago onward)

Representative Genera

コケシノブ属（Hymenophyllum）ホウビカンジュ属（Trichomanes）

Related Evolution Events

  • ・Extreme laminar thinning of the leaf blade (adaptation to maximize chlorophyll density)
  • ・Specialized reproductive strategy with independently persistent gametophytes
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Plants in Filmy fern family on this site

Filmy Fern
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