Species name :

Adiantum capillus-veneris  L.

Synonyms :

Plant Family :

Pteridaceae  E.D.M. Kirchn
(Fern Family)

Common name(s) :

Maidenhair Fern, Black Maiden Fern, Venus Hairfern

Maltese name(s) :

Tursin il-Bir

Status for Malta :

Indigenous. Originating from the Maltese islands before man

Frequency

Very Common     Common     Frequent     Scarce     Rare     Very rare     Extinct

Growth form :

Raunkiaer life form: HEMICRYPTOPHYTE (Creeping plants)   
Germination: Dicotyledon

Legal Protection :

Not Protected by Law (LN200/2011 or LN311/2006)

Red List (1989) :

Not listed in the Red Data Book of the Maltese Islands

Flowering Time :

All Year

Habitat :

Caves, wells, and moist rocks in shaded valleys, also along damp walls or buildings within urban areas

Remarks :

Found in damp and shaded places, most often in caves and cracks at rocky sides of valley bottoms. In the past, it was also common in the inner walls of water wells, and hence the Maltese name 'Tursin il-Bir.'