Sõnajalad

Sõnajalad, commonly known as ferns, are a group of vascular plants belonging to the division Pteridophyta. They are distinguished by their feathery fronds and their unique reproductive cycle, which involves spores rather than seeds or flowers. Ferns are ancient organisms, with fossil records indicating their presence on Earth for over 360 million years.

These plants are found in a wide variety of habitats worldwide, though they are most prevalent in damp, shady environments. They range in size from small, delicate species that grow on rocks to large tree ferns that can reach impressive heights. Ferns play an important ecological role, contributing to soil stability and providing habitat for various organisms.

The structure of a fern typically includes rhizomes, which are underground stems, and fronds, which are the above-ground leaves. The fronds often unfurl in a characteristic coiled shape known as a fiddlehead. Ferns reproduce via spores, which are produced in specialized structures called sporangia, often found on the underside of the fronds in clusters called sori. When the spores mature, they are released and can germinate under suitable conditions to begin a new life cycle. While many species are cultivated for ornamental purposes, some ferns have traditional medicinal uses or are even edible.