2009, ACTA BOTANICA BARCINONENSIA - número/volum 52 - ISSN: 0210-7597 - Pàgines 115-124
Tots els autors:
Pié, G.; Sànchez, S.; Boada, M.
Characterization of new populations of the royal fern (Osmunda regalis) in the Montseny mountains (Catalonia) and potential use of this species as an indicator of quality of fluvial systems.
Here, we characterize new populations of the royal fern found at the headwaters of the Tordera river and its tributaries Castanya and Bascona streams (Montseny mountains, Catalan Prelitoral range). From the population structure of the fern and the plant communities where this species develops, we conclude that the royal fern has a good conservation status; this was related with the high number of seedlings and the existence of reproductive stands, and with the occurrence of dense leaf clusters, mostly located in the Tordera river.
Given the extreme location of this species in the area (which is typically of Atlantic distribution) and the high quality fluvial ecosystems it needs, it seems appropriate as a potential indicator of the conservation status of riparian ecosystems in headwater areas.