The distribution and abundance of Osmunda regalis in ecosystems throughout Northern Michigan.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the occurrence and distribution of Osmunda regalis (royal fern) as I observed it during the summer of 1998. In order to do so it is necessary to take a step back from the plant itself and understand its lifestyle in the context of the ecosystems where it is but one component. As stated by Stan Rowe (1989), ""Organisms do not stand on their own; they evolve and exist in the context of ecological systems that confer those properties called life."" As such, I will discuss the occurrence of O. regalis in terms of the ecosystem types where it is found and compare how the growth of O. regalis differs between these ecosystems.