Shoestring Sites

Dr George Rogers, retired chair of the Palm Beach State College Department of Botany, led a special botany walk at Captain Forster Preserve on Saturday, 12/11/2021. His field observations always are astute, and he shared his thoughts about shoestring fern (Vittaria lineata).

This epiphytic fern almost always grows in association with cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). Dr Rogers pointed out that its only competitor for this locale is cabbage palm fern (Phlebdoium aureum) and that shorter “boots” (old leafstems) favor shoestring fern, while longer “boots” are more hospitable for cabbage palm fern …

When “boots” are no longer present on the cabbage palm, he noted a shoestring grows in association with a dark green moss in shadier spots …

… in sunnier locations, shoestring fern grows in association with pale green moss …

Wherever and however it grows, seeing this unique and uncommon epiphyte is a treat.