Caspin & Travnik
Caspin
Travnik, I’ve been looking into a polymer that might be extracted from the cell walls of an obscure fern that only grows near volcanic vents—do you know any species that fit that description?
Travnik
I’m not a botanical encyclopaedia, but a fern that likes volcanic soil is *Pyrrosia lingua*. It’s a tiny, leathery‑leaf fern that tends to colonise bare lava rock and vents. If you’re looking for something a bit larger, the bird‑nest fern, *Asplenium nidus*, can also be found on volcanic outcrops, though it’s a bit more common. Both have tough cell walls that could yield a useful polymer.
Caspin
That’s fascinating—Pyrrosia lingua and Asplenium nidus, huh? I’ll start sampling their cell walls and see if the polymer’s structure can be harnessed for a new composite. Thanks for the lead.
Travnik
Good luck with the sampling. I’ll keep an eye on the ash‑rich beds in case you need another specimen.
Caspin
Will do, keep me posted on any new ash‑rich sites.
Travnik
Will keep a log of any ash‑rich outcrops and ping you when another promising vent shows up. Just don’t forget to pack proper gloves—those vents don’t care about casualness.
Caspin
Got it, I’ll bring gloves and the gear for the vents—thanks for the heads‑up. Looking forward to the next sample.
Travnik
Sounds like a plan—just remember to prune the samples cleanly, no stray spores. See you at the next vent.