by Chuck Nishihira
The development and maturity of filmy fern leaves always strikes me as a little different from more conventional fern leaves. For one, it can take a long time as opposed to the relatively quick unfurling of the fiddlehead in more commonplace ferns. The images show the same frond from a Trichomanes species. While they do start off as little fiddle heads they open up to reveal quite undeveloped fronds. Over 3 or 4 months they unhurriedly expand to their fully matured state. Such a long and slow development, but one that I always feel rewarded by in the end.
Developing frond of a Trichomanes species
Developing frond of a Trichomanes species
Same frond matured
