Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
Diagnostic description:
A tufted perennial, with leaves ovate to oblong in outline, from 10 to 30 cm long, but which can be up to 50 cm long. Leaves 2 - 4 pinnately lobed, pale to bright green. Pinnae from 0.5 to 2 cm long, fan-shaped to rhombic, the upper margin irregularly cut, each held on slender, hair-like stalks. Leaf stalks blackish-brown, about as long as the leaves.
Distribution:
Local: Rare in Gibraltar. Generally found around damp cave entrances such as Martin’s Cave, Gorham’s Cave, and Goat’s Hair Caves.
Global: Found throughout the Mediterranean region and along western Europe.
Life cycle:
Spores ripen throughout the year.