Lesser Adders Tongue Fern
LESSER ADDER'S TONGUEOPHIOGLOSSUM LUSITANICUM
The Lesser Adder's Tongue Fern is a small variety of the Common Adder's Tongue Fern, not exceeding two or three inches in height, the tiny spike arising from its bright green leaves in the same manner. It may be recognised by its narrower frond and thicker (more fleshy) texture. The only British locality in which it has been found is the island of Guernsey, although it has long been known as a native of the South of Europe.
It arrives at perfection in January. Its very early fructification and minute size suggest the cause of its being long overlooked in the spot where it is now found, and render it possible that it may also have escaped notice in other localities.