A Review on Diversity, Distribution and Morphology of selected Indian
Ornamental Ferns and Fern Allies (Pteridophytes)
Abstract
The present study mainly focused on the diversity, distribution and
morphology of some ornamental ferns and fern allies (pteridophytes) that
have been widely used for ornamental purposes, medicine and food since
the ancient period. Ferns and fern- allies belong to filicales. They are
homosporous leptosporangiate flowerless, seedless and vascular plants
found mostly in humid areas. Ferns are selected for foliage colour,
leaves texture, shape of fronds, upright habit delicate beauty and
excellent for decorative prospects and are cultivated as an ornamental
plant. These species are distributed all over the world. In India,
various types of ferns and fern allies are found in the Himalayan
mountain range, Eastern Ghat and Western Ghat. They are most times
neglected, less cultivated, underutilized, unrecognized plants and there
is a lack of awareness of the importance of ferns. The present paper
provides a comprehensive review of studies on ornamental ferns for
decorative prospects, carried out by many researchers to provide
detailed information on the position and morphology of ferns and
prospects, values and significance of using ornamental ferns in the
florist and landscape industry.