Tectaria gemmifera (Snail Fern)

Part of the Tectariaceae Family, Tectaria gemmifera is commonly known as the Snail Fern. Native to tropical Eastern Africa, this plant grown naturally on the shaded moist forest floor especially alongside rivers. Gemmifera is a Latinized word meaning to bear gemmae, which refers to the fronds (leaves) of this species that often bear off sets or plantlets. Furthermore, these off sets produce asexually through vegetative reproduction and can grow up to 5mm in diameter. Off sets have a snail like curl common to ferns which gives the plant its name. Leaf blades with more sori (structure that hold spores) tend to have less gemmae and vice versa.

Protect from frost and do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Fertilize only during growing season. This fern can be propagated by sowing spores or by replanting off sets. Tectaria gemmifera is a well-studied and documented fern.