“Field” of Ferns

The Wabasso scrub, which we visited on 11/11/2018, is not all dry.  In the midst of dry scrub pretty near the beginning of the trail was a fern-filled wetland.  Since of focus was scrub and Florida scrub-jays, it was identified haphazardly in passing as blechnum fern (Telmatoblehnum serrulatum).   Instead on closer inspection, it turned out to be a patch of Hottentot fern (Thelypteris interrupta).

Also known as Interrupted maiden fern, this fern grows at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) along the moist hammock loop trail, and in this substantial shade, its appearance is quite different:  Less erect and much softer.  At the Wabasso scrub in the full sun, this fern is quite stiff and stout.

Its spore cases are quite distinctive.  Click here to learn more.