Woodwardia radicans
Species of fern
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Woodwardia radicans, the chain fern,[4] European chain fern or rooting chainfern, is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae, mainly found in Macaronesia and southwestern Europe, but is also found in southern Italy and Crete. Growing to 1.8 m (6 ft) tall by 2 m (7 ft) broad, it is evergreen with arching fronds. The pinnae have curved, finely-toothed segments. The plant derives its common name from the linked sori on the undersides of the fronds.[5][6]
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| Woodwardia radicans | |
|---|---|
| |
| W. radicans, Graciosa | |
 | |
| Close-up of sori | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Suborder: | Aspleniineae |
| Family: | Blechnaceae |
| Genus: | Woodwardia |
| Species: | W. radicans |
| Binomial name | |
| Woodwardia radicans | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
| |
The specific epithet radicans means "with stems that take root", referring to rooting plantlets appearing at the tips of the fronds.[7]
This plant is cultivated as an ornamental, and in the UK has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[8][9] Unlike its hardier cousin Woodwardia unigemmata, it is prone to frost damage and requires protection in colder areas.[10]
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