Common Maidenhair fern
Adiantum aethiopicum

Family: Pteridaceae

What it is like

A small fern. It grows 10-45 cm high. It forms large clumps. It has wiry branched underground stems. It also has slender upright stems. It can be upright or lie over. The stems can be 60 cm long. The fronds divide 2-3 times. The segments are wedge shaped. The edges of the leaves are shallowly lobed. They are lace-like and pale green on glossy black stems. The spore bodies are kidney shaped. There are 1-4 on the under side of the fronds.

There are over 200 Adiantum species. Also put in the family Adiantaceae.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows along stream banks and in moist rocky places. It needs a well-drained soil and abundant moisture. It is hardy. It prefers bright sunlight and cool temperatures. It is often grown as a house plant. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Tasmania Herbarium. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Tasmania

How it is used for food

CAUTION: This fern is used to produce abortions in some places.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, fronds - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from spores or by dividing the rhizome. It spreads by the underground stolons or runners.

It grows rapidly.

Its other names

Local names

Maidenhair Fern

Synonyms

Adiantum emarginatum Bedd.; Now Adiantum chilense var. sulphureum (Kaulf.) Kuntze ex Hicken;