Onychium japonicum (Thunb.) Kunze

Carrot Fern

Rhizomes 2.5-4 mm wide, long-creeping; scales brownish, broadly lanceolate. Fronds finely divided 3-4 times, evergreen. Blade hairless, to 50 cm long, 15 cm wide, triangular in outline, arching, dark green above. Stalk up to or as long as the blade. Segments 5-8 mm long, 1-1.5 mm wide. Sori along the margin; false indusia as opposing, transparent marginal flaps c. 4-8 mm long.

Needs shelter and warmth.

India to China, Japan and Malaysia.

The fine foliage is superficially similar to that of a Davallia but it is clearly distinguished by the linear paired sori with indusial flaps.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Adiantaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

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Distribution map
kingdom Plantae
phylum   Tracheophyta
class    Polypodiopsida
order     Polypodiales
family      Pteridaceae
genus       Onychium Kaulf.