Einfache Mondraute

(Botrychium simplex)

Distribution/habitat

The simple grapefern, also called “simple moonwort”, is an extremely rare plant in Europe. This special fern is only visible above ground for a short time every year, due to its subterranean root growth. Then, 10-15 cm high plant components develop, which form the spores capable of propagation. In the Alpine region, inner Ötztal is one of its rare locations of distribution and at the same time the highest registered. The grapefern often grows individually in moderately dry to humid locations. Its stands are very sensitive and often fail to materialise on the surface for several years.

Description/characteristics

The shoot of the grapefern is a subterranean root. Every year, the root sprouts individual vertical, round, unremarkable 3-4 cm large leaves on the surface. These basal leaves are topped by the plant components capable of propagation, on which sit around 5-15 spherical so-called sporangia. These are yellow, when mature red-brown. Special features The current dispersal area of the grapefern is not well known due to its hidden mode of life. Especially for the locations in ÖTZTAL NATURE PARK, permanent monitoring of these plants is of great significance due to their rarity.

Endangerment/protection

The grapefern benefits from absolute protection. It is strictly protected by Appendix II of the EU Protection Policy Natura 2000 and in Austria is included on the red list of endangered plants as “threatened by extinction”.

Literature

HORN, K. & H. W. BENNERT (2008): Populationsmonitoring von Botrychium simplex und B. matricariifolium auf dem Truppenübungsplatz Senne im Jahr 2008.