Wart-Fern

Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm. f.) Pic. Serm.

fye-mat-oh-SORE-us skoal-oh-PEN-dree-ah

Ferns

Explanation of name: Generic name means tumor-sorus, reflecting the sense of the common name. The specific epithet describes the scalloped leaf blade.

Synonym: Microsorium scolopendrium (Burm. f.) Copel. (JOF)

Natural range: Widespread in Old World Tropics (JOF)

Recognition: Strongly rhizomatous. The tough leaves are deeply pinnately lobed with round sori (spore-case clusters), these apparent on the top of the leaf as “warts.”

Landscape uses: A strongly creeping-rhizomatous fern for containers and partially sunny garden beds. JOF notes excess sun to cause bleaching. Often used in South Florida as a groundcover. Escapes cultivation (WU2).

Internet source: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/microsorum.htm