Adiantum

/ˌædiˈæntəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of ferns with delicate, feathery fronds commonly known as maidenhair ferns.

Etymology

From Greek adiantos (unwetted, from a- 'not' + diantos 'wet'). Named because water doesn't wet the fronds.

Kelly Says

Adiantum fronds have a special waxy coating that makes water bead up—Victorian gardeners were obsessed with growing these ferns as decoration because they looked impossibly delicate!

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