fragile filmy fern
Hymenophyllum fragile
Photo: Photo: (c) MBG, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
Overview
The fragile filmy fern (Hymenophyllum fragile) is a delicate epiphytic fern characterized by its translucent, film-like fronds that are only one cell layer thick. This diminutive species typically grows in small patches on moss-covered tree trunks and rocks, playing a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in humid forest ecosystems.
The fragile filmy fern faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized humid forest environments. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the precise moisture and temperature conditions this delicate epiphytic species requires for survival.
Habitat
Hymenophyllum fragile inhabits the humid understory of temperate and subtropical rainforests, growing exclusively on moss-covered surfaces of tree trunks, fallen logs, and shaded rock faces. The species requires consistently high humidity levels and filtered light conditions found in old-growth forest environments with dense canopy cover.
Other threatened species in Hymenophyllaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is fragile filmy fern classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does fragile filmy fern live?
What are the main threats to fragile filmy fern?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.