Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: large deer fern

Family: Blechnaceae

Distribution: South Africa, Swaziland, central and tropical Africa, Madagascar, the Comoro and Mascarene islands

Habitat: Along streambanks in open montane grasslands, shaded evergreen forests close to waterfall sprays.

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: The large deer fern grows along streambanks in montane grasslands and in the shade of evergreen forests, often near waterfalls. New fronds are a characteristic red. After unfurling, a tapered frond is revealed that turns green with age. The underside of the frond is boldly patterned with dark green veins, another distinctive feature.