| Matteuccia struthiopteris,
the Ostrich Feather Fern, gradually spreads by rrhizomes and creates large
colonies in damp shady corners. In dry soil and sunlight it very rapidly
becomes a sorry sight and, once wilted, dries out quickly to a light brown
wafer. It is one of the key features of the moist woodland area (the 'rainforest')
and looks especially beautiful in the spring when the fresh fronds begins
to unfurl. It has two types of frond: with spores and without; I have
never known it to seed (or 'spore') itself around. |