Ophioglossum vulgatum

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Ophioglossum vulgatum
Ophioglossum vulgatum growing in sand-dunes on Anglesey
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Pteridophyta Class: Psilotopsida Order: Ophioglossales Family: Ophioglossaceae Genus: Ophioglossum Species: O. vulgatum
Binomial name
Ophioglossum vulgatum L.

Ophioglossum vulgatum, commonly known as the Southern adderstongue, is a species of the plant genus Ophioglossum. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a scattered distribution in Europe, Asia, northwestern Africa, and eastern North America.

This plant grows from a rhizome base to 10-20 cm tall (rarely to 30 cm). It consists of a two-part frond, separated into a rounded diamond-shaped sheath and narrow spore-bearing spike. The spike has around 10-40 segments on each side. It reproduces by means of spores.

Traditional European folk use of leaves and rhizomes as a poultice for wounds. This remedy was sometimes called the "Green Oil of Charity". A tea made from the leaves was used as a traditional European folk remedy for internal bleeding and vomiting.

This small, hard-to-spot plant occurs singly in un-improved pastures, rock crevices and grassy path-sides but also occurs in colonies of hundreds of plants in sand dune slacks.

[edit] References

• Ophioglossum vulgatum
• The Ferns (Filicopsida) of the British Isles by L. Watson and M. J. Dallwitz
• Flora of North America: Ophioglossum vulgatum

Ophioglosum vulgatum