Economic importance of Pteridophytes:

Economic importance of Pteridophytes: 1.Ornamental: Many species of pteridophytes though less in number claims a distinct charm and physiognomy to the landscape e.g. Hanging club mosses, elegant tree forms, epiphytic forms, Horse tails, colored foliage of Selaginella species etc. 2. Medicinal: Equisetum species are used as diuretic, and as cooling medicines. Ophioglossum calledadder's tongue produces antidote for snake. Adiantum is believed to cure blindness. 3. Resurrection plant: The species of Selaginella are xerophytic and are sold as resurrection plants in drycondition which again become green when put in water . 4. Mineral indicator: Equisetum arvense indicate the presence of gold in the soil in which they grow, asone ton of this plant can accumulate 4-1/2 ounces of gold in its tissue. 5. Polishing material: Lycopodium spores are used to smoothen bowls and globes. Equisetum is also usedfor polishing woods, pots, floors, utensils etc. 6. Paper Industry: Salvinia auriculata can be used in paper industry. 7. Oil and fragrance: Aromatic oils secreted from Angiopteris species and Polypodium species are used for perfuming coconut oils. Perfumed soaps are also prepared by adding the extracts of Dryopteris: 8. Flavoring agents: Tannic acid, garlic acid, and traces of essential oils present in Adiantum producepleasant odors. Rhizome of Polypodium vulgare also contains a steroid saponin, which have sweet taste. 9. Fibers: Ferns are used for making hats, mats, cigar cases, fishing traps etc. 10. Dye: Red dye is produced from the rhizome of Sadleria and leaves of Sphenomeris. Dark yellow dye isprepared from the rhizome of Bracken. 11. Fats: Spores of Lycopodium are rich in oleic glyceride. Dryopteris is said to have more then 6% fats in green rhizome. 12. Dry fronds of many ferns are used as a cattle feed. 13. Pteridophytes are also used as a medicine. The decoction of foliage of Lycopodium is used in home¬opathy to treat diarrhoea, bladder irritability, eczema, rheumatism, constipation and inflammation of liver.