Ferns are among the oldest plant groups on Earth…

… their history stret­ches back over 350 million years, to the age of the dinosaurs. Even then, they covered large parts of the planet and shaped the early forests of our Earth. This long evolu­tion has made them true masters of adapt­a­tion: robust, undeman­ding and perfectly adapted to changing environ­mental condi­tions.

After distur­bances such as forest fires, storm events or bark beetle infesta­tion, ferns are often the first plants to colonise the affected areas. With their strong rhizomes and finely divided fronds, they stabi­lise the soil, prevent erosion and retain moisture. In this way, they create favourable condi­tions for the growth of other plants – a crucial contri­bu­tion to the natural regene­ra­tion of the forest.

In addition, ferns play an important role in biodi­ver­sity. They provide habitat and shelter for numerous insects, small animals and micro­or­ga­nisms. Their large leaves provide shade, regulate the micro­cli­mate and help to maintain a healthy forest floor.