Struthiopteris spicant
Struthiopteris spicant, syn. Blechnum spicant, is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. It is known by the common names hard-fern[3] or deer fern. DescriptionLike some other species in the family Blechnaceae, it has two types of leaves. The sterile leaves have flat, wavy-margined leaflets 5 to 8 millimetres (1⁄4 to 3⁄8 in) wide, while the fertile leaves have much narrower leaflets, each with two thick rows of sori on the underside.[4]
TaxonomyThe species was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus as Osmunda spicant. It has been placed in a wide range of genera, including Blechnum (as Blechnum spicant).[1] In the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I), it is placed in the genus Struthiopteris, in the subfamily Blechnoideae.[5] The Latin specific epithet spicant is of uncertain origin, possibly referring to a tufted or spiky habit.[6] Distribution and habitatIt is native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa, and western North America.[1][7] S. spicant is hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F) and evergreen, growing to 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in).[8] UsesThe root, shoots and leaves can be cooked as famine food.[9] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[10] References
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