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Indusium

Close up image of indusium, part of a fern.

A flap of tissue that protects the sori in some ferns. This can take a variety of forms. When spores are mature and ready for release, the indusia usually shrivel or bend backwards to expose the sporangia. Occasionally, if the indusia completely cover the sporangia. they may tear irregularly.

Image acknowledgement: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Rights: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Published:24 September 2010Size: 29.24 KB