The deer fern (Blechnum spicant).

 The deer fern (Blechnum spicant), also known as the “hard-fern”, is a perennial plant belonging to the Blechnaceae family. This plant is a common species in humid forests and shaded areas of Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America. Its elegant form and adaptability make it a key element of forest ecosystems.

The lonchite is a medium-sized plant that can reach between 30 and 80 cm in height. It is characterized by two types of fronds (or leaves): the sterile ones, shorter and wider, dark green, which form a basal rosette, and the fertile ones: which are longer and erect, with narrower segments, which produce spores through the sori on the underside of their leaves.

This species of fern prefers acidic, well-drained soils in moist, shaded areas such as coniferous forests, riverbanks, and mountain slopes. It is common in temperate climates, thriving in areas with high ambient humidity and moderate temperatures. It also plays an important role in the ecosystems it inhabits. It provides shelter and food for small invertebrates, as well as helping to stabilize the soil in areas prone to erosion. Its ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils also makes it a plant pioneer that facilitates the establishment of other species.

I made this illustration as a final project for the subject of botanical illustration in ink, of the postgraduate course in Scientific Illustration at the UPV/EHU, Professor Isabel Salcedo taught the theoretical classes and made corrections to the species, while Professor Carles Puche directed the ink illustration classes and artistic corrections.

Year: 2019
Technique: Ink illustration.
Illustration type: Scientific.
Type of project/Client: Course project.