They diversified into many of the modern fern families and species during the “great fern radiation” of the Cretaceous period, from 145 to 66 million years ago. Like the clubmosses (see Plant ...
Ferns growing on other plants along with orchids and bromeliads are referred to as epiphytes. We commonly see epiphytitic types growing on hapuu, tree branches and even rocky, soiless areas.