Family: Pteridaceae
Common Name: Brake Fern

Native to shady, damp gullies of tropical and subtropical rainforests, these ferns can also be found growing in sunny rock crevices. This large genus comprises about 280 species of terrestrial ferns, with short creeping rhizomes which form clumps, and variously divided fronds. Popular with growers are cultivars with unusual leaflet formation, and the many variegated forms.

Species

P. artyraea, silver brake, is one of the most beautiful of the entire genus. It is very large, reaching up to 2 m (6 ft) in the wild. The short, creeping rhizomes form a large crown, the stems are brown with papery, brown scales at the base and the fronds grow to 1 m (3 ft) or more. The silvery white strip running down the centre of the leaflets contrasts dramatically with the deep green of the margins.

P. cretica is found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and many cultivars and natural varieties of this species are available. Cultivar 'Albolineata' is a very beautiful fern, the leaflets displaying a very broad, silvery white stripe. It makes an excellent pot or basket subject, both for indoors and outdoors.

P. ensiformis is a smaller, daintier species from Southeast Asia, extending east to Polynesia. The short, creeping rhizomes form clumps and the finely divided fronds are erect when young, becoming pendulous with age. Cultivar 'Victoriae' is an attractive, variegated form; 'Evergemiensis' is similar, but the sterile fronds are larger and more decorative.

P. tremula, Australian brake, is found in many parts of Australia and New Zealand. It has tufted, upright rootstocks which form a crown and upright stems which are dark at the base, becoming lighter at the tip of the fronds. The fronds have finely toothed margins and are very large in mature ferns. The spores are very fertile, causing the fern to spread rapidly. This tenacious fern tolerates a wide range of conditions and makes a good rock garden subject.

P. tripartita, giant brake fern, occurs in north-eastern Queensland and throughout the lowland tropics of the world. It has solid root-stocks which form a trunk in mature specimens. The stems are long and green, and the fronds are large, forming three branches. It can be grown in the garden in suitable climates.

P. umbrosa, jungle brake, native to Australia's eastern states, is a many-branched fern with long stems. 'The large, upright fronds vary from light to dark green in colour, depending on the amount of sunlight they receive. Very similar to P. cretica, this species is suitable for growing in large pots and in the garden.

P. vittata, ladder or Chinese brake, is found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The rootstocks are very short and solid with pale scales, the stems are brown at the base, and the fronds are up to 1 m (3 ft) long, composed of simple, oblong to lance-shaped leaflets.

Cultivation

Grow in an intermediate green-house or conservatory in pots of soil-based potting compost. Add some leaf mould if available, plus lumps of charcoal. Shade plants from direct sun, and provide a humid atmosphere. Outdoors grow in shade and moist soil. Propagate by division in spring.

Climate

Zone 10 to tropical.