Over 300 million years ago, before there were trees and shrubs, there were Ferns! Ferns were the first plant species to develop true roots, stems and leaves. Ferns are flowerless plants that have feathery leaves called ‘fronds’. Unlike other plants, ferns reproduce by spores found under their fronds. These spores are the favoured food of mice, bats and other small animals. Ferns are found in moist and shady places and hence preferred as indoor plants. The Western Ghats are famous for ferns with over 300 recorded species.
