When Ferns Grow on Trees
http://www.savetheredwoods.org/blog/wonders/when-ferns-grow-on-trees/
In the depths of winter, an amazing emergence of emerald green ferns appear on cliffs, rocks, and forest tree trucks throughout the coast redwood forest. These delicate beauties are Polypodium glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice fern. The species name, glycyrrhiza, means sweet root in Greek and is aptly named because the fern’s rhizome tastes faintly of licorice.
This deciduous fern flushes its leaves when the winter rains begin and by the end of spring its leaves turn brown and are shed. In the summer, you may not even know where these ferns are, as their bare rhizomes are often hidden under moss or fallen leaf duff. It’s always a vibrant sign of winter when licorice fern leaves do appear, so head out to the woods and see it in them all their glory this holiday weekend!
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Site has more. Including a picture of licorice ferns.
Zim.
Mad Poet Strikes Again.
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