Asplenium ruta-muraria
Ecology
This perennial, evergreen fern occurs naturally on limestone and other basic rocks, where it grows on steep, bare faces and in crevices; it is also found in hollowed clints in limestone pavement. However, in most lowland areas it is now abundant on mortared walls and other man-made structures. 0-625 m (Ingleborough, Mid-W. Yorks.).
Status
Trends
Some decline in industrial areas through acidification has undoubtedly occurred (Page, 1997), but in recent years cleaner air may have reversed the decline. Other than this, most losses have occurred since 1950.
World Distribution
Circumpolar Temperate element, with a disjunct distribution.
Broad Habitats
Light (Ellenberg): 7
Moisture (Ellenberg): 3
Reaction (Ellenberg): 7
Nitrogen (Ellenberg): 2
Salt Tolerance (Ellenberg): 0
January Mean Temperature (Celsius): 3.7
July Mean Temperature (Celsius): 14.7
Annual Precipitation (mm): 1074
Height (cm): 12
Perennation - primary
Life Form - primary
Woodiness
Clonality - primary
Count of 10km squares in Great Britain: 2184
Count of 10km squares in Ireland: 898
Count of 10km squares in the Channel Isles: 11
Atlas Change Index: 0.15
Weighted Changed Factor: 5
Weighted Change Factor Confidence (90%)
JNCC Designations
Atlas text references
Atlas (8d)
.
1988. Comparative Plant Ecology.
.
1986. Atlas of north European vascular plants north of the Tropic of Cancer. 3 vols.
Jalas & Suominen (1972)
.
1978. Ferns and their allies. The Island of Mull: a survey of its flora and environment. :12.1-12.7.