Family: Thelypteridaceae
Common name: Christella, Down wood fern, Soft fern, Toothed maiden fern
Christella is a fern that grows in gardens, backyards, open areas, cracks in the wall, and almost anywhere. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries where they are grown as ornamental plants, and are also found in the wild.
Plant Characteristics
Christella plants grow to a height of 60-90 cm with a root system that is very shallow, spreading quickly just beneath the surface of the soil to absorb moisture and nutrients.
Stems are rhizomes that grow horizontally along the surface of the soil producing leaves from it. These rhizomes are typical of ferns, thick, brown and covered with rough hairy structures.
Leaves of Christella are very pretty – light green fronds that are toothed and lobed giving the fern its name Toothed maiden fern. Leaves grow directly from the rhizomes, 8-12 cm long with beautifully pinnate, lobed margins.
Christella ferns do not produce flowers are fruits, but they produce spores that help in propagation. Small, brown, circular spots called sori develop underneath mature leaves, which produce microscopic spores that are carried by the wind.
When these spores fall on surfaces that are conducive to the growth of the ferns, they produce smaller plants.
This unique method of propagation is typical of ferns, the variation is mostly in the shape of the sori which could be elongated, kidney-shaped, or circular.
Gardening Tips
Christella ferns are very hardy and can grow almost anywhere, though they need filtered or partial sunlight to grow well. They can take root in very little soil, but they need adequate moisture. Lack of water can cause the fern to dry up.
In fact, ferns need to be watered and misted during summer months to keep the fronds green and healthy.
These ferns grow in warm, humid climate, thriving during the rainy season. Christella can be pruned to remove brown or dead leaves.
Once these plants are established in the soil, there is very little care required.
Ferns are very ancients plants said to have been around for millions of years. They have air purifying capabilities, removing toxins from the air. Christella can be good indoor plants provided there is some filtered sunlight coming into the house.
Uses of Christella
These plants are mostly grown as ornamentals in home gardens, parks, and landscaped areas. They grow very well underneath trees in the dappled sunlight. Christella like other ferns, can prevent soil erosion by holding tight the soil with their long, fibrous roots.
These plants have antibacterial and anti-microbial properties and are used in the treatment of skin diseases.
A warning as always, that herbal medicines should be used with expert medical advise. Never self-medicate as many plants have toxicity in varying amounts.
Propagation
Propagation is through spores and root division.
Spores are collected from mature and dry leaves by rubbing them over a piece of paper, or placing them in a paper bag for a few days. These spores can then be spread on moist peaty soil.
Rhizome or root division is very easy since parents plants produce small plants from spreading rhizomes. These can be separated from the parents plants and replanted.
Photographed at: Koonammavu, Kerala
