Links to genera Ferns and Horsetails (Monilophytes) Clubmosses and Quillworts (Lycophytes)
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Ophioglossum | Adderstongue Ferns
Mostly small, terrestrial ferns; a few epiphytic. Rhizomes usually short, erect, fleshy; fronds appear dimorphic but are in fact formed of a blade and an extension of the stipe forming the fertile spike which usually develops after the blade, although often only the sterile blades appear; blades fleshy, lacking midrib, varying shapes: most terrestrial species have simple and entire blades; epiphytic species often strap-like, branched, fan-shaped, etc; veins netted; sporangia sunken in sides of fertile spike which openns in horizontal slits.
About 30 species, distributed world-wide. Three species in Britain, two in Ireland.
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