osmunda

osmunda [äs mun′də, äzmun′də]

n.

〚ModL < OFr osmonde < ?〛

any of a genus (Osmunda, family Osmundaceae) of ferns having specialized fronds or portions of fronds bearing dense masses of spore cases

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os·mun·da (ŏz-mŭnʹdə) also os·mund (ŏzʹmənd) n.

Any of several ferns of the genus Osmunda, having erect, bipinnately compound fronds and deeply contracted fertile pinnules. The fibrous roots are sometimes used as a potting medium for cultivated plants, and the young crosiers are used as food.

  [New Latin Osmunda, genus name, from Middle English osmunde, a kind of fern, from Old French osmonde.]

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▪ fern genus

      fern genus of the family Osmundaceae, with divided fronds and often growing to a height of 1.5 metres (5 feet). The matted fibrous roots of these abundant ferns are called osmunda fibre, osmundine, or orchid peat; they are broken up and used as a rooting medium for epiphytic orchids (those that grow on other plants). The genus has a long fossil record, with some extant plants referred to as living fossils. In particular, ancient versions of O. cinnamomea, which is found in fossils from about 70 million years ago, and O. claytoniana, which is found in fossils from about 200 million years ago, are nearly identical to the modern versions.

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