chain fern

Woodwardia radicans is a fern species native to regions including the Azores, Madeira, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, as well as parts of southern Europe such as Italy and Crete. It is characterized by its evergreen, arching fronds that can reach a height of 1.8 m and a spread of 2 m. The pinnae are curved and have finely toothed edges. The plant is named for the chain-like arrangement of sori on the underside of the fronds. It was first described in 1793 and is part of the Blechnaceae family. The species is also found in areas such as Algeria, California, and Florida.