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Adder's Tongue Fern
Ophioglossum vulgatum
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A small fern growing in grasslands and on forest floors. It has a unique form consisting of a single ovate sterile frond and one erect spike-like fertile frond. Ophioglossaceae is one of the most ancient fern lineages.
Identification Points
- βA single ovate to elliptical sterile frond
- βFertile frond is a slender spike with sporangia arranged in two rows along its margins
- βGrows in grasslands and lawns; easily overlooked due to its small size
Habitat
Grasslands, lawns, and bright areas at forest edges
Season
AprilβJune (fertile fronds)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Leaf shape
Round
Habitat
Grassland
Phylogenetic Positionγγγ€γΉγͺη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Ophioglossopsida > Ophioglossales > Ophioglossaceae
Divergence Era
Devonian to Carboniferous (approx. 360 million years ago onward)
Evolution Notes
Ophioglossaceae includes species with the highest chromosome numbers among vascular plants (2n=1260) and retains primitive traits as an ancient fern lineage.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification