Biological Flora of the British Isles: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

摘要: Summary 1This account reviews information on all aspects of the biology bracken Pteridium (mainly aquilinum ssp. aquilinum) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure physiology, phenology, reproductive characters, herbivores disease, history, conservation. 2Pteridium is a complex genus comprising number species, subspecies varieties. treatment here based recent revision incorporates both morphological molecular data, related geographical distribution. 3Pteridium thought be woodland genus, but it can grow in open. It cosmopolitan occurs continents except Antarctica. responds human disturbance often found open spaces after forest clearance cultivation. In some situations troublesome weed, causing problems for land managers. Moreover, abundance distribution Britain predicted increase as result global climate change. 4Pteridium aquilinum, most common taxon Isles, many plant apparently limited by frost waterlogging. Its has probably increased relatively past changing management, this impinges communities with high conservation interest. changed management reflects use agricultural also reduction resource. Accordingly, places viewed weed needed control restore more desirable vegetation. These techniques summarized.