Fernarium in Eravikulam National Park

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