Survey of ornamental ferns, their morphology and uses for environmental protection, improvement and management

Abstract

A survey of ornamental ferns with potentials for environmental protection, improvement and management was conducted at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and villages around it between  2008-2012.   The collections were characterized morphologically. This was with a view to creating awareness of the importance of ornamental ferns for environmental management and economic values. Ferns were collected from humid forest, rainforest and re-growth forest vegetation zones, open bare land, around homes, offices and road sides. All the ferns collected were raised at the Department of Botany, OAU, Ile-Ife. Morphological, reproductive and growth parameters were observed, documented for their ornamental values and for their relevance in environmental protection, improvement and management. The result showed that there were a lot of variations in the shape and type of apex, frond length and diameters; leaflet texture, size and shapes in all the ferns studied. There were little variations in the structures of rhizome except in Phymatodes scholopendria with long-creeping, climbing, succulent rhizome. The only leaflet with petiole was found in Adiantum veneris-capillus. They have shoot and root biomass which are directly involved in checking wind and soil erosion by covering and holding soils together. These ornamental ferns were found to have much value for landscaping and aesthetic purposes but they were found in few villages with little or no attention. There is very little awareness of their use for ornamental purposes, environmental protection, improvement and management in this region.

Keywords: Environmental Management, Morphological Studies, Ornamental Ferns.