ferns ecological role
In areas where the climate does not favour a riot of fern growth - and the Canberra Region is a case in point - the niche environments are very clearly marked by the types of fern that grow there. Ferns in fact provide a remarkably good set of ecological indicators. Here are some examples from around Canberra. 1  Asplenium bulbiferum, Mother Spleenwort, grows only near permanent running water, usually in or near waterfalls. The same is true for Hymenophyllum cupressiforme, Filmy Fern. 2  Asplenium trichomanes, the Common Spleenwort, grows only on or near limestone outcrops.