Blechnum tabulare mature fronds

Rachises of the mature Blechnum tabulare fronds in picture appear green on the upper surfaces, dark on the lower ones, particularly lower down. The rachises are sturdy and fairly straight with slight out-curving near the tips, and some tending to an S-curve.

Leaflet blades may display faint gloss. Young fronds have smaller, yellower leaflets.

Although associated in name with Table Mountain, the plant is found in natural habitat in many parts of the country, the sub-Saharan part of the African continent and several islands of the region like Madagascar, Mauritius and Tristan da Cunha. The plant in picture grows in Kirstenbosch (http://pza.sanbi.org).