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Climbing Fern
Lygodium japonicum
γ«γγ―γ΅
A distinctive climbing fern that twines around other plants in grasslands and forest edges. It has the unusual morphology of an indeterminately growing rachis that functions as a vine.
Identification Points
- βRachis elongates vine-like, twining around other plants
- βPinnules triangular to fan-shaped; fertile pinnule margins bear granular sori
- βGrows in grasslands, forest edges, and thickets
Habitat
Grasslands, forest edges, thickets, and roadsides
Season
Year-round (spores in summerβautumn)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Vine
Habitat
Forest
Phylogenetic Positionγ«γγ―γ΅η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Schizaeales > Schizaeaceae
Divergence Era
Jurassic to Cretaceous (ca. 150 million years agoβ)
Evolution Notes
The genus Lygodium (Schizaeaceae) is one of the few ferns to have evolved a climbing habit, with the unique trait of an indeterminately growing rachis.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
π€Claude AIηζοΌζͺη’ΊθͺοΌ
AI-generated, needs verification