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Shoestring Fern
Vittaria flexuosa
シシラン
A fern that grows epiphytically on rocks and bark of old trees in warm regions. The fronds are simple, ribbon-like, 1–2 cm wide and 30–60 cm long. Sori are arranged in linear rows near the leaf margins.
Identification Points
- ✓Fronds are simple, narrow, ribbon-shaped (linear)
- ✓Sori arranged in linear rows along the leaf margins
- ✓Epiphytic on rocks and tree surfaces, hanging downward
Habitat
Rocks and bark of large trees in warm regions (epiphytic)
Season
Year-round (evergreen)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Linear
Phylogenetic Positionシシラン科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Vittariaceae
Divergence Era
Cretaceous to Paleogene (ca. 80 million years ago–)
Evolution Notes
Vittariaceae is closely related to Aspleniaceae and comprises epiphytic ferns. The simple linear fronds may represent secondary reduction, with elongated leaves having evolved as an adaptation to epiphytic life.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification