Reproduction: The walking fern gets its name from its ability to walk. They do not walk in the traditional method however, instead their leaves grow in an arch, flat towards the sky to absorb as much sunlight as they can before the tip returns to the ground. Here, the tip begins to form new roots and eventually new shoots, becoming a whole new plant. This method of reproduction gives the appearance of walking over a long period of time and can be a beneficial method of reproduction, capitalizing on the given resources. Walking ferns have very specific habitat requirements, growing on rocks with a high acidity, or a high PH. While able to spread to new areas through spore dispersal, their reproductive method of “walking” allows them to spread rapidly when a suitable rock has been colonized.
Sources:
"Asplenium rhizophyllum." North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asplenium-rhizophyllum/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2023. |