Lance water fern
Blechnum chambersii
Family: Blechnaceae
What it is like
An evergreen fern. It grows 50 cm high and spreads 1 m wide. The underground stem or rhizome is short and creeping. The fronds hang down. They are dark green and have leaflets along the stalk.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is best with moist, humus-rich soils. It needs a shaded position. It is sensitive to drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The young fronds are cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Fronds, leaves
How it is grown
It can be grown from spores on sphagnum moss.
Its other names
Local names
Rereti