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Ribbon Fern
Plagiogyria japonica
γγΈγγͺγ·γ
A fern growing on moist mountain forest floors. The fertile fronds are narrower than the sterile ones and stand erect, likened to the tail feathers of a pheasant ('Kiji'). It possesses a distinctive morphology belonging to an ancient lineage.
Identification Points
- βFertile frond pinnae narrower than sterile ones, with sori covering the entire pinna surface
- βStipe base swollen and auriculate
- βGrows on moist montane forest floors and along streams
Habitat
Moist mountain forest floors and stream margins
Season
Year-round (spores in summerβautumn)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Habitat
Forest
Phylogenetic PositionγΉγΈγγγγη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Cheiropleuriaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous (approx. 100 million years ago onward)
Evolution Notes
Plagiogyriaceae (sensu lato) is an ancient lineage close to eusporangiate ferns, retaining primitive traits such as swollen leaf-base pulvini.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification