A Review on Diversity, Distribution and Morphology of selected Indian Ornamental Ferns and Fern Allies (Pteridophytes)

The present study mainly focused on the diversity, distribution and morphology of some ornamental ferns and fern allies (pteridophytes) that have been widely used for ornamental purposes, medicine and food since the ancient period. Ferns and fern- allies belong to filicales. They are homosporous leptosporangiate flowerless, seedless and vascular plants found mostly in humid areas. Ferns are selected for foliage colour, leaves texture, shape of fronds, upright habit delicate beauty and excellent for decorative prospects and are cultivated as an ornamental plant. These species are distributed all over the world. In India, various types of ferns and fern allies are found in the Himalayan mountain range, Eastern Ghat and Western Ghat. They are most times neglected, less cultivated, underutilized, unrecognized plants and there is a lack of awareness of the importance of ferns. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of studies on ornamental ferns for decorative prospects, carried out by many researchers to provide detailed information on the position and morphology of ferns and prospects, values and significance of using ornamental ferns in the florist and landscape industry.