| Latin Name: | Asplenium ceterach |
| Common Name: | Scale fern |
| Family: | Polypodiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Ceterach officinarum. DC. |
| Known Hazards: | Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. |
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Author: L.
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| Habit: Fern |
| Habitat: Limestone rocks and mortared wallls[17]. |
| Height: 0.15 Width: |
Cultivation Details:
A calcicole plant, it requires a freely draining but moist alkaline soil[1]. It tolerates full sun but prefers a position with at least part-day shade[200] and also grows in deep shade[219]. Plants can be grown in old brick walls[219].
A very ornamental plant[1].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].
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Propagation Notes:
Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Germinates in spring[1]. Spring sown spores germinate in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[134]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established.
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