NEN Gallery

Thought to be one of the most primitive plants still in existence with very deep roots. The plant has invasive green, leafless, branching non-flowering stems. These are sometimes preceded by solitary non-branching fertile stems, up to 9 inches tall, which are topped by 'cones' made up of rings of spore containing capsules. As it ripens, if the weather is dry, the fist rotates upwards and the 'fingers' open to release the grey/green dust-like spores to the wind. The spores are therefore very effectively protected from rain until they are due for release. Picture taken 6th May 2006 at Felmersham, Bedfordshire.