Pteris vittata - Chinese Ladder Brake
אברה ארוכת-עלים
Family: Pteridaceae | Origin: The Mediterranean basin
This evergreen fern is the largest of Israel's wild ferns and survives in the wild here in only one or two sites in the north of the country.
From a creeping underground rhizome, rise the feathery leaves that reach a length of a meter or more and resemble a wing or a large feather.
In the summer, spore clusters develop on the underside of the leaves and under reasonable humidity conditions the plant manages to spread itself in the garden or even on wet walls.
Chinese Ladder Brake grows well in all regions of the country and is resistant to the Jerusalem cold and recovers without problems even after cold winters, so it can be grown outdoors without fear for many years. It also withstands short droughts by going into partial dormancy. It is very successful in a shady and moist corner and especially suitable at the edge of a pool, on a wall or terrace and in a tall pot.
The large and impressive leaves tend to fall down when they reach their full size and growing in a hanging basket or from a high point the plant creates a spectacular, soft and special appearance.
The plants, which we sell, originate from the wild, but in nature around the world there are many species similar to Pteris vittata, and due to their ability to spread over great distances with the help of the wind, there is no certainty that these or even the few wild populations are original local plants.
All the same, it is a great plant that should be used in gardens more often.
For the Hebrew article press here
