Family: Adiantaceae

This large genus of around 180 species of ferns is found around the world, often in rocky or desert conditions. They are mostly evergreen and tolerate drought very well. They grow from rhizomes, which may be upright or horizontal, and have pinnate fronds on black stems. They are ideal ferns for rock gardens or for planting in walls in dry climates. Tender species arc grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

These may not be readily available in the US. C. distairs, bristly oak fern, zone 10, is found in many parts of Australia and New Zealand. While it prefers dry conditions, it is often found on damp parts of sandstone ridges. It is a small, bristly, rather hairy fern, to about 12 cm (5 in), with a short, creeping, branched rhizome, erect fronds and widely spaced leaflets. C. tenuifolia, rock fern, zone 10, is also widely distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand and is found growing in both damp and dry situations, although always in a position where it receives a reasonable amount of sun. It, too, has a short, creeping, branched rootstock. The stems are black, as with most ferns in this family, the fronds are erect, varying from 12 to 70 cm (5-28 in) in height depending on where they are growing, and the leaflets are shiny, blunt and mostly triangular in shape.

Cultivation

Cheilantbes need well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter, and full sun. Under glass, grow in pots of very well drained, soil-based potting compost, with maximum light and plenty of ventilation. Keep the humidity low.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.