Ophioglossum vulgatum
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| Ophioglossum vulgatum | ||||||||||||||
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 Ophioglossum vulgatum | ||||||||||||||
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Ophioglossum vulgatum, commonly known as the Southern adderstongue, is a species of the plant genus Ophioglossum. It is antive to Europe, though it has been naturalized to North America and other places.
This plant grows from a rhizome base to less than one foot high. It generally consists of a two-part leaf, separated into a rounded diamond-shaped sheath and narrow spike. The spike has around 10-40 segments on each side. It reproduces by means of spores.
Traditional European folk use of leaves and rhizomes as a poultice for wounds. This remedy was sometimes called the "Green Oil of Charity." A tea made from the leaves was used as a traditional European folk remedy for internal bleeding and vomiting.
This small, hard-to-spot plant occurrs in rock crevices and grassy path-sides and possibly other places.
References
- Ophioglossum vulgatum (http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/ophioglossaceae/ophioglossum-vulgatum.htm)
- The Ferns (Filicopsida) of the British Isles (http://delta-intkey.com/britfe/www/ophivulg.htm) by L. Watson and M. J. DallwitzTemplate:Plant-stub