About Athyrium yokoscense (Franch. & Sav.) Christ
Athyrium yokoscense is a fern species belonging to the genus Athyrium and the family Athyriaceae, and it shares a similar overall form with other members of these groups. This fern usually grows to over 0.2 meters (7.9 inches) in height. Its foliage matches the typical appearance of common fern leaves, and its reproductive cycle is thought to be similar to that of other species in the Athyrium genus, though little published research has focused on this species' reproduction. Athyrium yokoscense can tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals including arsenic, lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper, levels that would kill most other plants under typical conditions. According to mygarden.net.au, this fern grows in heavy clay soils, and prefers a moist, sheltered site with moderately humid air. Like some other ferns, this species is generally not edible: some ferns carry carcinogens, and others contain thiaminase, an enzyme that depletes the body of vitamin B. This fern is distributed across Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and eastern Siberia, where it occurs in and near mining sites. It grows in a range of habitats: metalliferous mining slag heaps, damp ground, flat plains, thick woodlands, and mountains. The presence of abundant Athyrium yokoscense indicates an area likely has heavy metal-rich mineral deposits that could form viable mines.
