Plant · GBIF taxon 7315527
Falkland Filmy Fern
Hymenophyllum falklandicumAlso known as Falklands Filmy Fern, Subantarctic Filmy Fern
Falkland filmy ferns form delicate, low mats of translucent, tissue-thin fronds across damp rocks and peat banks in subantarctic landscapes. Their leaves are only a single cell layer thick and lack a protective cuticle, relying entirely on high ambient humidity to maintain hydration. These resilient plants anchor tightly to moist bryophyte cushions, enduring intense winds and chilly coastal climates.
FernSubantarcticLithophyte
Licensed reference(c) Pablo Silva, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
Not available
ThreatsClimate change, peatland drying, localized trampling
HabitatsPeat bogs, damp rocks, mossy banks, subantarctic tundra
Life spanPerennial
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHymenophyllaceae
- SpeciesHymenophyllum falklandicum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Inspection: Search damp rock crevices and sheltered peat overhangs along stream banks.
- Macro Viewing: Use a small magnifying lens to reveal the single-cell leaf thickness.
- Tread Lightly: Step carefully around wet rocky outcrops to avoid dislodging fragile mat-forming colonies.
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