bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Woodwardia radicans, the chain fern,[3] 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.[4][5]

Woodwardia radicans
W. radicans, Graciosa
Close-up of sori
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Polypodiophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Suborder:	Aspleniineae
Family:	Blechnaceae
Genus:	Woodwardia
Species:	W. radicans
Binomial name
Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm.[2]

The specific epithet radicans means "with stems that take root", referring to rooting plantlets appearing at the tips of the fronds.[6]

This plant is cultivated as an ornamental, and in the UK has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7][8] Unlike its hardier cousin Woodwardia unigemmata, it is prone to frost damage and requires protection in colder areas.[9]

References

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