We Have an April ‘Where in the Conejo’ Contest Winner: Jef Kurfess!
Polypody fern with sporangia, which contain thousands of spores.
The April 1 “Where in the Conejo” photo was of the underside of the leaf a California polypody fern (Polypodium californicum) covered with spore cases.
This native fern is distributed along the entire coast of California and is found inland in coastal mountains and foothills as well. It prefers shaded streambeds or North-facing rock walls with seeps. Ferns don’t bloom or make seeds; instead, they reproduce via spores borne on the back of the leaves in cases known as sporangia, seen here.
Of the correct entrants, Jef was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations, Jef, and thanks to all who entered the contest!
As a garden plant, California polypody fern is popular for its deer resistance and as a bright green ground cover for shaded areas. Growing wild, it is widespread in the Conejo Open Space.
One place you can spot it is along the Hawk Canyon Loop, a short 2.7 mile hike. To help you find your way, we have a new 2-page PDF document that describes an easy route and other helpful information. All our new trail guides are collected on this single web page to make it easier to find new trails to explore at whatever level of difficulty you like.
0 Comments