Ferns are a very ancient family of plants. They predate the beginning of the Mesozoic era, 360 million years ago. By as early as the Triassic period, evidence of ferns related to several modern families appeared. Most modern ferns are leafy plants which grow in moist areas under forest canopy, but prehistoric ferns had various growth strategies, ranging from tree-like, to winding, climbing and epiphytic forms. They are “vascular plants” with well-developed internal vein structures which promote the flow of water and nutrients. They reproduce from spores.
North American Stephonian coals may consist of up to 75% tree fern remains.
Mariopteris
Unidentified Fossil Fern
Mariopteris nervosa and Neuropteris scheuch-serc; Sydney Coal Field; Moien Group
Alethopteris davreuxi; Sydney Harbour; between North Sydney and Sydney Mines
Alethopteris decumens; Minto, New Brunswick
Neuropteris bellopteris; Minto, New Brunswick; Pictou Group
Alethopteris serli; Minto, New Brunswick; Pictou Group
Cyclopteris sp; Robin Hood Quarry, Qakefield, Yorkshire, England; Leaf Preserved in an Ironstone Nodule
Neuropteris gigantean; Robinhood Quarry, Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Leaves in an Ironstone Nodule
Neuropteris gigantean; Robinhood Quarry, Wakefield, Yorkshire, England; Leaves in an Ironstone Nodule; Collected by Museum Curator, Peter Russell.
