Fern Ostrich - the most beautiful species of the genus

Fern Ostrich is the most beautiful species of the family. The genus includes 4 species, 2 of which grow in Russia. The best known common fern is the fern . Its spore-bearing leaves are very similar in shape to the ostrich's feathers. Hence the name - Ostrich. The photo shows this similarity well.

Spread

Fern Ostrovnik undemanding and can grow anywhere: in the forest, on the forest edge, on the bank of the river, on the swamp. But prefers the damp forests of the temperate zone of Eurasia and North America, where it forms thickets.

Description of the fern

Fern Ostrich is the largest among the brethren by gender. It can reach 1.5-2 meters in height, and with a lack of moisture - 40-60 centimeters. Each year its rhizomes grow by 25 centimeters. Cinnamon light green vayi (the so-called leaves of ferns) are collected in a goblet-like funnel, similar to a vase, and reach 1.5 meters in length. They appear at the end of spring, when stable heat is established. First, the vayi are wrapped inwards, but by the beginning of the summer they are straightened. By the autumn they turn yellow and disappear. Unlike other ferns, which have sporangia on the lower part of the leaves, the ostrich has spore-bearing leaves, called sporophylls. They are short, do not exceed 60 centimeters in length. Sporophylls (1 or 2) appear in August in the center of the funnel. When the spores mature, the leaves become brown. It is at this time that they are cut for dry bouquets (they last several years). In the spring sporophylls are opened, and the wind carries spores. At this time the vayas very strongly resemble ostrich feathers. A bush is kept for several years, but you can not make a bouquet since they constantly pour out pores.

Care

Fern Ostrovnik is resistant to cold, undemanding to the composition of the soil, but it is very exacting to moisture. It grows only in damp places. Prefers a shadow, but can grow in the sun. Fern Ostrovnik must be thinned out every three to four years, so as not to grow too large.

Reproduction of the forester

Reproduction occurs with the help of segments of rhizomes. Fern Ostrovnik easily tolerates transplantation. But it's better to do it in spring or late summer.

Application

Fern ostrich is used as an ornamental plant. He is considered the most attractive plant in the genus. Sporophylls are added to bouquets and floral compositions because of their distinctive appearance. Since the plant wakes up late in the spring, primroses can be planted between the ferns. Fern Ostrich looks great both in solitary plantings and in group ones. It can be used to form alpine hills. In Norway ferns were fed by goats, beer was prepared from it. The inhabitants of some countries use young vayi for food because of the high content of high-grade proteins, sugars and dietary fiber. Leaves taste like the taste of cauliflower.

Application in medicine

Fern Ostrich has bactericidal, anthelmintic, blood-restoring, soothing, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties that are used in folk medicine. He treats burns and frostbite, heals wounds, relieves spasms and relieves epileptic seizures. In Russia, with the help of it, worms were expelled.

If you do not already have this amazing plant in your garden, then hurry to buy an ostrich.