scale fern

Thân thiện

A small scale fern grows among the mossy rocks.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small European fern with chaffy, leathery fronds: Scale fern is the common name for a specific type of fern, Asplenium ceterach (syn. Ceterach officinarum), characterized by its small size, leathery leaf texture, and the presence of distinctive chaffy scales, especially on the underside of its fronds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scale fern thrives in the cracks of old limestone walls.
  • Botanists identified the plant as a scale fern due to its distinctive scaly fronds.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to this species, often noting its habitat and resilient, xerophytic (drought-adapted) characteristics.
  • The scale fern is a classic example of a resurrection plant, able to survive extreme desiccation.

Variants and Related Words

• Rustyback: Another common name for the same fern species (), referring to the brown, scaly underside of the fronds.
• Ceterach: The genus name sometimes used as a common name.

Synonyms

• Rustyback fern
• Ceterach

Học thuật

Noun

1. small European fern with chaffy leathery fronds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• scaly fern
• Asplenium ceterach
• Ceterach officinarum