The diploid sporophyte is the dominant generation. Most of our local species have a rhizome , an underground, horizontal STEM from which the roots and branches arise. Their leaves, while tiny, are true leaves with a vascular system. Most have an underground rhizome with vertical stems. Many species have whorls of smaller branches at the joints of the stems, thus resembling upside down horse's tails.
Most ferns have horizontal stems or rhizomes.
Some ferns having vertical stems are called tree ferns. All rights reserved.