Habitats and distribution of fern species in Bilecik, Turkey

Abstract

The study aimed at establishment of fern species in the forest area of Bilecik, Turkey. Twelve Pteridophyta species belonging to four families were recorded, Aspleniaceae being the most represented family with the largest number of species. Fern that was more sensitive to light and humidity than other plants was observed to grow preferentially in the mesic forests containing Fagus orientalis and Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, on the calcerous, metamorphic schist rock and soil farmed from these rocks. In this study area, Asplenium scolopendrium ssp. scolopendrium was the most selective species and had the narrowest distribution whereas Ceterach officinarum had the widest.