Asplenium scolopendrium 'Undulatum'

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Undulatum' is a perennial fern, a relic of the Tertiary period. Asplenium scolopendrium 'Undulatum' (height 45 cm), has a short rhizome covered with scales at the top.

 

Leaves are whole, glabrous, leathery, dark green, which is unique among ferns, their width is 3-6 cm, length - 10-60 cm. Cuttings are shorter than the leaf blade. Very beautiful graceful evergreen fern species. Wavy erect or curved, dark glossy, evergreen leaves are collected in small rosettes. Young leaves appear in spring and at first resemble a swirling snail shell, over time they straighten.

 

On the lower surface of the leaves, along the lateral veins, sori are parallel to each other, covered with two veins. Their arrangement resembles the legs of a centipede, hence the specific name of the plant scolopendrium ("centipede").

Asplenium scolopendrium is common in Europe from southeastern Sweden to the Mediterranean, as well as in northern North America and Asia. A very rare species everywhere.

 

Grows in the shade and on moist, well-drained alkaline soil. Can grow on chalky soils. The species is frost-resistant.