Adiantum L.
False indusium covering and bearing the sorus, consisting of a sharply reflexed, flap formed by the lamina(Fig. 17). Rhachises and stipes black or dark brown Adiantum
Each ultimate frond-segment attached by a very short stalk at the lower corner of the segment, dimidiate
Sori in shallow grooves at the tips of the lobes of the ultimate frond-segments, not in the notches between the lobes, Rhizome long-creeping
Terminal pinna of the frond very short in comparison with the length of the basal primary pinnae. Plants 60–120 cm high. Widespread. RF or open forests, Grassy slopes, alluvial flats or near creeks; usually in stands. Giant Maidenhair Fern Adiantum formosum
Terminal pinna of the frond much attenuated, as long as the basal primary pinnae. Plants up to 80 cm high. Widespread. RF. Creek banks or on moist cliff-faces Adiantum silvaticum