Hymenophyllum

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Hymenophyllum
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense in Luxembourg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Polypodiophyta Class: Polypodiopsida Order: Hymenophyllales Family: Hymenophyllaceae Genus: Hymenophyllum

Hymenophyllum is a genus of ferns in family Hymenophyllaceae. Its name means "membraneous leaf," referring to the very thin translucent tissue of the fronds, which gives rise to the common name Filmy Fern for this and other thin-leaved ferns. The leaves are generally only one cell thick and lack stomata, making them vulnerable to dessication. Consequently, they are found only in very humid areas, such as in moist forests and among sheltered rocks. They are small and easy to overlook.

[edit] Species

• Hymenophyllum alveolatum, C.Chr.
• Hymenophyllum barbatum
• Hymenophyllum brachypus, Sodiro
• Hymenophyllum contractile, Sodiro
• Hymenophyllum cristatum, Hook. & Grev.
• Hymenophyllum flabellatum, Labill.
• Hymenophyllum helicoideum, Sodiro
• Hymenophyllum megistocarpum, (Copel.) C.V.Morton
• Hymenophyllum nanum, Sodiro
• Hymenophyllum refrondescens, Sodiro
• Hymenophyllum sodiroi, C.Chr.
  C.Chr.
  
• Hymenophyllum tenerum, Bosch
• Hymenophyllum trifidum, Hook. & Grev.

[edit] See Also

Trichomanes, the members of which are also called Filmy Ferns.

[edit] External Links

• Ferns of the genus Hymenophyllum observed in Cornwall

• More complete list of species

• Detailed photography of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense

• Photographs of several New Zealand species