Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Sm.
Source:
tro
Year:
1793
Citation Micro:
Mém. Acad. Roy. Sci. (Turin) 5: 412. 1793
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001107451
Common Names
- Woodwardia radicans
- Creeping Chain Fern
- Creeping Giant Chain Fern
Description
Woodwardia radicans (also called creeping chain fern, among many other common names) is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. It is a small to medium-sized fern, with a creeping rhizome and fronds up to 30 cm long. It is native to tropical Asia, and it grows in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Woodwardia radicans is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating skin diseases, pain, and fever.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Woodwardia radicans is a small, greenish-brown spike with small, inconspicuous flowers. The seed is a small, brown, round seed with a short, pointed tip. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Woodwardia radicans is a hardy fern that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagation is done by division of the rhizomes or by spore sowing.
Where to Find Woodwardia radicans
Woodwardia radicans is found in temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Species in the Woodwardia genus
Woodwardia auriculata,
Woodwardia intermedia,
Woodwardia izuensis,
Woodwardia orientalis,
Woodwardia radicans,
Woodwardia unigemmata,
Woodwardia areolata,
Woodwardia virginica,
Woodwardia fimbriata,
Woodwardia spinulosa,
Woodwardia apogama,
Woodwardia japonica,
Woodwardia harlandii,
Woodwardia kempii,
Woodwardia martinezii,
Woodwardia prolifera,
Woodwardia magnifica,
Woodwardia semicordata,
Species in the Blechnaceae family