Asplenium trichomanes

Asplenium trichomanes, Maidenhair Spleenwort, is an extremely elegant miniature fern with simple pinnate fronds that is native to the UK and also has a wide distribution throughout temperate regions in both hemispheres and in alpine terrains in more tropical regions. Typically it grows as a lithophyte, clinging to rock-faces and stone walls, often sending its roots into the alkaline mortar that cements the stones together. This clinging habit can also be used to great effect by securing the roots on the trunk of a tree - particularly if a little limestone has been included in the rootball - and training it as an epiphyte. It looks particularly good growing this way in the trunk of Dicksonia antarctica and Trachycarpus fortunei. It also grows readily in any moist alkaline soil in the shade as well as tolerating full sun and more dry conditions.