Pteridomania

Pteridomania (also known as Fern Fever) was a craze for ferns that reached its height in the Victorian era, from the 1830s to the 1890s. This obsession with ferns was not limited to botanists but extended to the general public, who collected, studied, and cultivated ferns as a popular pastime. The term "Pteridomania" was coined by Charles Kingsley in his 1855 book "Glaucus, or the Wonders of the Shore".

History

The craze for ferns began in the 1830s when the British public became fascinated with the exotic and diverse forms of ferns. This interest was fueled by the publication of books and articles on ferns, the availability of new species from around the world, and the development of new methods for growing ferns. The craze reached its peak in the 1850s and 1860s, when fern collecting became a popular hobby for both men and women.

Impact

Pteridomania had a significant impact on Victorian culture and society. It influenced the design of gardens, homes, and public spaces, and it led to the creation of a wide range of fern-themed products, from pottery and textiles to furniture and architecture. It also contributed to the development of botany as a scientific discipline and to the growth of the horticultural industry.

See also

• Victorian era
• Botany
• Horticulture

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Pteridomania

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  Pteridomania

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  Polypodium vulgare illustration

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  Wardian case

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  The fern gatherer by Charles Sillem Lidderdale, 1877

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  Geelong Botanic Garden