How to Identify Ophioglossaceae

Key Identification Features

• Its frond is split into two distinct parts: a rounded diamond-shaped leaf blade 4–12 cm long, and a narrow, unbranched spore-bearing spike.
• This species is most notable for the length of its pendant fronds: these fronds grow to up to 4.
• The leaf is less than 8 centimeters tall, and is divided into two distinct parts: a sterile portion and a fertile portion.
• The leaf is always divided into two distinct parts: a sterile photosynthetic part called the trophophore, and a fertile spore-bearing part called the sporophore.

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