Flora at Main Face

[Rich]

Last weekend at Main Face I identified a rare fern called Asplenium trichomanes , commonly known as "Maidenhair spleenwort" under the overhang which is half-way down the cliff of the E-gully (to the left of the classic 5.9 which I can't remember the name of). I didn't get a chance to search elsewhere at mainface but found 11 individuals at the E-gully.

This fern is given a rating of S2 by the Atlantic Conservation Data Centre meaning that there are only 6 to 20 occurrences or few remaining individuals within the province - most of these are in Cape Breton with scattered occurences on the mainland. As far as records show, this is the only known occurence of the species in HRM.

So, I hope that people will familiarize themselves with it, try to avoid disturbing it or it's habitat (it is found on cliff sections that recieve abundant moisture and is unlikely to be found on any of the higher, exposed cliff sections), and perhaps report any other sightings at other cliffs or locations at Main Face.

Attached is a photograph - it's very distinctive and shouldn't be confused with the other ferns that will be commonly encountered at the crags.

Thanks,

-Rich

[Stevo]

I pulled off bucket loads of that stuff while cleaning Bodyline!

[seanT]

Personally i try and stay away from that green stuff, makes your memory all foggy and gives you the munchies.

[Zamboni]

I think Rich stumbled across this while our looking for different ingredients for his underground micro brewing. If anybody is offered a sample of his home brew, take as much as you can get, I'll buy some off of you.. Its good stuff.

CB.

[Fred]

tough year for endangered plants and species. man!
we'll be bound to the gym soon.

[peter]

I rappel off those rare jewels routinely.
Don't worry, though, I leave a sling and biner, to avoid friction damage to the plant.