Syn.: Blechnum radicans L.
Family: Blechnaceae (C. Presl) Copel.

Woodwardia radicans

Distribution: Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. It has been reported as an escape from cultivation in Florida and California.

Ecology: It grows in humid places in the laurel forests (laurisilva) and woodland margins, up to 1700 metres above sea level.

Description: A sturdy and evergreen fern, up to 3 m high. The leaves are arching, aggregated terminally, to 200 cm long, persistent, bipinnate, leaf blades in outline ovate-triangular, or lanceolate, leathery. The sori in a row on either side of the midribs.

Threat and Protection: Woodwardia radicans is a protected plant by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention).

Woodwardia radicansWoodwardia radicans
Woodwardia radicans

These images were taken in Portugal, Madeira, Boca da Encumeada (June 29, 2005).