C-Fern®is a specially derived cultivar of an unusual tropical fern, Ceratopteris richardii. C-Fern is a unique teacher and student-friendly instructional tool for the Biology classroom that is easy to grow and observe.
New to C-Fern?
Find out what C-Fern is and how it can be used for classroom teaching and research
What is C-Fern good for?
What is C-Fern good for? Why use C-Fern? Why would you want to use a fern at all? The advantages of C-Fern as a model plant system derive from the unique features of its life cycle
What can I learn from C-Fern?
You can use C-Fern to investigate a wide variety of biological principles, scientific methods and laboratory techniques!
How fast is the C-Fern life cycle?
Under the standard temperature and light conditions, C-Fern develops in about 10-12 days from a single-celled haploid spore to sexually mature gametophytes in which eggs are fertilized by sperm. Mature spores are produced by about 80-90 DFS.
Where do I go to learn more about C-Fern?
You can find out more about using C-Fern in the classroom, from laboratory investigations to student initiated and directed research and for all levels of other research by using this site.
Are there different kinds of C-Fern?
Most activities use the wild type C-Fern (RNWT1) spores also known as the C-Fern Standard Genotype. Other strains derived from the wild type are useful for investigations in development, genetics, physiology, and ecology. Below is a listing of possible available strains and a brief description.
Where can I obtain spores and growing supplies for C-Fern?
To purchase C-Fern spores, growing supplies and other products, please contact a C-Fern vendor.
How do I take care of C-Fern?
Both C-Fern gametophytes and sporophytes are easy to culture in the classroom or in a research environment can be axenically cultured on simple inorganic media in Petri dishes.