Answer: Maidenhair fern

What you're looking at

The maidenhair fern is a delicate, graceful plant found in damp woodlands and near streams across many parts of the world. You'd recognize it by its thin, wiry black stems and tiny triangular leaflets arranged in fan-like patterns. It's a popular choice for indoor gardens because of its elegant appearance and preference for humid conditions.

This extreme close-up reveals the intricate texture of the fern's leaflets and the fine branching structure of its fronds. The photo captures individual spore clusters and the delicate veining that's invisible to the naked eye, making it nearly impossible to identify without seeing the full plant. The magnified view strips away the context that normally makes ferns recognizable.

Look for fine, hair-like branching patterns and tiny geometric leaf shapes arranged in repetitive, feathery formations.

How players did

11 players made 13 guesses. It took 12 guesses before someone got it right.