Common fern can produce rare earth element crystals: Study

Technology Nov 18, 2025

Turns out, a regular old fern called Blechnum orientale can naturally make rare earth element (REE) crystals—something scientists thought only happened under extreme conditions.
This fresh discovery from a Chinese research team could shake up how we get REEs, which are crucial for gadgets and clean energy tech.

Why this matters for the planet

Instead of relying on polluting mining methods, we might one day use these ferns to "grow" REEs in a much greener way.
With global demand for these elements rising and environmental concerns mounting, this plant-powered approach could be a real game-changer for both technology and the environment.