Botrychium

plant genus

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June 30, 2026

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Botrychium is a genus of low, fleshy ferns belonging to the family Ophioglossaceae. These ferns are widely distributed and are commonly known as grape ferns and moonworts.12

A key characteristic of Botrychium is its unique leaf structure, which is divided into two distinct parts: a sterile, green blade and a fertile spike that bears spore-producing structures called sporangia. The name Botrychium itself comes from the Greek word for a cluster of grapes, referring to the grapelike arrangement of these sporangia. These ferns are found in tropical and temperate regions around the world.21

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Ophioglossaceae
The genus Botrychium, with about 50 species, distributed throughout the world, includes the grape ferns and moonworts. The rattlesnake fern (B. virginianum) of North America is sometimes placed by itself in the genus Botrypus.
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The genus Botrychium, with about 50 species, distributed throughout the world, includes the grape ferns and moonworts. The rattlesnake fern (B. virginianum) of North America is sometimes placed by itself in the genus Botrypus.
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plant reproductive system
Ferns
…ferns, such as Ophioglossum and Botrychium, the spores are borne upon a specialized axis, the fertile spike. The sporangia of such primitive ferns are massive, with several layers of cellular walls, and produce an indefinite but large number of spores. In most other ferns, the sporangia are smaller and long-stalked,…
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…ferns, such as Ophioglossum and Botrychium, the spores are borne upon a specialized axis, the fertile spike. The sporangia of such primitive ferns are massive, with several layers of cellular walls, and produce an indefinite but large number of spores. In most other ferns, the sporangia are smaller and long-stalked,…
Read More