Irish wildflowers Sitemap More: Ferns

Rusty-back Fern, Ceterach officinarum

Rusty-back Fern
Ceterach officinarum
Raithneach rua
Family: Aspleniaceae

Spores ripen April-October. Evergreen. Native.

Dark-green fronds, 1-pinnate or pinnately-lobed, 5-20cm long.
Short alternate segments, undersides with silvery scales that
become rust-coloured with age.
Sori in bundles along veins, hidden by scales.
Can withstand drought, curls up when dry, recovers rapidly.

Found on mortared walls and limestone pavements, rocks and cliffs. Frequent.


     
Rusty-back Fern

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