varens

Varens, known in English as ferns, are a diverse group of seedless, vascular plants. They reproduce by spores and have a life cycle that alternates between a sporophyte, the familiar leafy plant, and a small, independent gametophyte called a prothallus. Modern ferns range from tiny, delicate species to tree ferns that can reach several meters in height, making them one of the oldest surviving lineages of land plants.

Most ferns have large, divided leaves called fronds that arise from underground stems or rhizomes. The undersides of fronds typically bear spore-producing structures called sori, which are often arranged in distinctive patterns that aid in identification. The spores give rise to the haploid gametophyte, which in turn produces eggs and sperm. Fertilization requires free water for the sperm to reach the egg, after which a new sporophyte grows.

Ferns occupy a wide range of habitats, but most prefer moist, shaded environments. They are common in tropical and temperate forests, along streams, and in woodland understories. Some species are epiphytic, growing on other plants, while others are terrestrial. Ferns contribute to ecosystems by stabilizing soil, retaining moisture, and providing microhabitats for various invertebrates and microorganisms.

Evolutionarily, ferns have a fossil record dating back to the late Paleozoic era, roughly 360 million years ago. They diversified significantly before seed plants became dominant and remain a major lineage of vascular plants. Contemporary ferns are grouped into several families and genera, including Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae, and Aspleniaceae, among others.

Humans cultivate varens for ornamental use in gardens and interiors. Some species produce edible fiddleheads and are foraged in certain regions, though proper identification is essential due to potential toxicity in some ferns. Ferns also contribute to biodiversity, landscape aesthetics, and ecological research.