Fern

-grow from spores

One of the oldest plants on earth
Over 10000 species of ferns in the world.

Fern Facts
Fern is a vascular, seedless plant that belongs to the group Pteridophyta. There are
around 12 000 types of ferns that differ in size, morphology and type of habitat.
Ferns can be found throughout the world. They live in shady places that provide
enough moisture, such as forests, fields, swamps and areas near the streams. Fern
can survive in various climates and on different altitudes. These plants are among
the oldest living organisms on the planet. People use ferns mostly in decorative
purposes. Several types of ferns are known as invasive species due to increased
reproduction rate and ability to occupy new habitats quickly. Some species of ferns
are listed as endangered because of the habitat loss (as a result of increased human
activity).

Interesting Fern Facts:

Depending on the species, fern develops as miniature herbaceous plant or as tall
tree. Smallest fern is only 2 to 3 inches high. Largest fern can grow 30 feet high into
the air. (smallest fern/ biggest fern)
Ferns have fibrous root that can easily absorb water and all nutrients required for
successful growth.
Leaves of ferns are called fronds. They are green and have feathery structure.
Leaves perform photosynthesis (production of food from the carbon dioxide and
water, with a help of sun).
Ferns do not develop flowers and seed. They reproduce via miniature cells called
spores.
Spores are produced in the structures called sporangia. They can be recognized as
row of brown patches on the bottom side of the leaves. Spores can be reddish,
brownish, yellow or black in color.
Some animals, such as bats and mice, eat spores.

Fern can also be reproduced from the rhizome and leaves.

Ferns are very old organisms. They exist on the planet for nearly 400 million years.
Fossil fuels (coal and natural oils) created during Carboniferous period are mostly
made of ferns.
Some species of ferns are used in human diet.
Ferns can absorb heavy metals from the air and soil. They can be used to prevent
pollution or for the cleaning of already polluted areas.
Ferns are able to absorb nitrogen from the air. Because of this feature, some
farmers use ferns as natural fertilizers on the rice fields.
Certain types of tree ferns are used as building materials.
Lifespan of fern depends on the species. Some types of ferns can live up to 100
years.

Bamboo Facts
Bamboo Facts
Bamboo is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Poaceae (grasses).
There are almost 1500 species of bamboo that can be found in Asia, Australia, North
and South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Bamboo can grow on different altitudes
and under various climate conditions, but it prefers tropical climate. Bamboo is one
of the most exploited plants on the planet because its cultivation doesn't require too
much effort. Besides low cost of maintenance, bamboo has numerous applications.
It can be used in medicine, in the building industry, for the production of various
woody objects or as an ingredient of numerous delicious meals.

Interesting Bamboo Facts:

Size of bamboo depends on the species. Largest species of bamboo can reach 1300
feet in height.
Bamboo can grow either as woody, tall plant or as shorter, herbaceous plant.

Individual stems of bamboo are called culms. They arise from the underground
rhizome and emerge from the ground fully developed.
Flowers of bamboo are rarely seen. Some species of bamboo develop flowers after
65 or 120 years. Interesting fact about flowering is that all plants of one bamboo
species develop flowers at the same time, no matter where they are located in the
world.
Besides from rhizome, bamboo can develop from the seeds arranged in clusters at
the end of the branches.
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet. It can grow 3 feet in height in 24
hours under appropriate climate conditions. Unlike other woody plants, bamboo
reaches maturity after only 3 to 5 years.
Bamboo releases 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon
dioxide compared to other plants. Because of these features, bamboo greatly
decreases amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and cleans the air.
Bamboo does not require fertilizers for optimal growth. Discarded leaves of bamboo
provide all needed nutrients when they start to decompose.
Bamboo has wide and strong root system which holds the soil stable and prevents
erosion of the ground.
Bamboo is often used in Asian cuisine. It can be served as salad or consumed in the
form of soup.
Young shoots of bamboo contain toxin called taxiphyllin. Because of that, bamboo
needs to be cooked (high temperature destroys toxin) before consumption.
Various animals on the planet used bamboo in their diet. Panda's diet is based on
bamboo exclusively, while mountain gorilla and lemurs of the Madagascar eat
bamboo to enrich their regular diet.
Bamboo is used in folk medicine to treat infections and to accelerate healing of the
wounds.
Bamboo has stronger structure than steel and it is widely used in the construction
industry. Other than that, bamboo is used in the manufacture of floors, furniture,
house walls, skateboards, bicycle frames and helmets.
Bamboo can survive more than 120 years in the wild.