Polarised light micrograph of the rhizome of the cup fern (Dennstaedtia sp.). Ferns of the genus Dennstaedtia have long creeping underground rhizomes with dark reddish-brown hairs. Rhizomes of ferns have similar functions to the stems of flowering plants. The rhizome contains the conducting tissues (xylem and phloem) which transport water, minerals, and nutrients throughout the plant. Magnification: x136 at 10cm wide.