Family: Blechnaceae Genus:Blechnum Botanical name: Blechnum tabulare Common name: Table Mountain Fern Origin: South Africa Height: 1.5m
This is a magnificent cycad-like fern hailing from Table Mountain in South Africa. The frond leaflets (pinnae) are rather leathery and in time this species will produce up to a metre or so of 'trunk'. It will give you a wonderfully tropical feel on your shady patio or in a stumpery.
Although it is easily grown, Blechnum tabulare is not fully hardy in most of the UK.
Care: Over-winter in an unheated greenhouse, cold-frame or conservatory.