OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM

'''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.

Contents

References

References

★ ''Ophioglossum vulgatum''

★ The Ferns (Filicopsida) of the British Isles by L. Watson and M. J. Dallwitz

★ Flora of North America: ''Ophioglossum vulgatum''