Fernarium in Eravikulam National Park
2023 APR 4
Preliminary >
Environment and Ecology > Protected Area Networks > Protected Area
Why in news?
- A Fernarium has been set up inside the Eravikulam National Park (ENP). This is the first time such a fern collection has been established in the hill station.
- A fernarium is a botanical garden or enclosure dedicated to the growth and display of ferns.
About Eravikulam National Park:
- Eravikulam National Park is located in Kerala
- It is the first National Park in Kerala, it was declared as a National Park in 1978.
- It is situated in the Kannan Devan Hills of the southern Western Ghats. The highest peak in South India– The Anamudi (2695 meters) is situated in this park.
- This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once in twelve years. Also the park is a natural habitat of Nilgiri tahr.
About Ferns:
- A fern is a plant that has long stems with feathery leaves and no flowers
- They reproduce through spores, rather than seeds.
- Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family. They grow naturally in a soilless condition.
- Epiphyte also called air plant is any plant that grows upon another plant or object merely for physical support.
- Epiphytes have no attachment to the ground or other obvious nutrient sources and are not parasitic on the supporting plants.
- The plants obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees.
- Ferns are found in a variety of habitats, from moist, shady forests to dry, rocky deserts
PRACTICE QUESTION:
Consider the following statements:
1. Ferns do not have flowers
2. Ferns reproduce through spores, rather than seeds
3. Ferns are found in a variety of habitats, from moist forests to dry deserts
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer