Slow and Fast Desiccation of Single-cell Thick Fronds of Filmy Ferns

Background

The Hymenophyllaceae is a family of epiphytic pteridophytes highly endemic to shady, constantly humid forest (Figure 1). There are some species of this filmy fern group that can survive desiccation to 20% relative water content, remain in this state for an extended period, and survive following rehydration (Figure 2) (Garcés et al., 2018) (See example timelapse, Video 1).


Figure 1. Hymenophyllum caudiculatum growing in nature under the forest canopy


Figure 2. Detached Hymenophyllum caudiculatum fronds under different conditions (Modified from Garcés, 2014). (Top) fresh detached, (middle) desiccated, and (bottom) rehydrated.