European chain fern (Woodwardia radicans) ,is a rare giant fern, whose origin dates back to the Tertiary period, belonging to the family Blechnaceae, its presence indicates a high degree of conservation of wetlands. It is a typical representative of a tropical-mountain flora that 70 million years ago characterized the mountainous areas of some Mediterranean regions. Since it is one of the few examples of the ancient flora, is now to be considered a true "living fossil". With the rise of the Mediterranean climate, this fern has greatly reduced its distribution area, finding refuge in moist, shady ravines, where the water is available for the entire year.
In Italy the populations of the European chain fern are preserved only in limited areas of southern Italy and in the Campania region it is present in the province of Salerno at the Reserve Valle delle Ferriere.
Its leaves can reach a length of 3 meters.
Because of its rarity and its nature of relict species, this fern is protected by international conventions (Bern Convention, Habitat Directive 43/92 EC).
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Notes
S.O.S. per la Valle delle Ferriere, Un'esperienza di educazione ambientale sulla Costa d'Amalfi, Delegazione WWF per la Campania, 1987
Conti F., Manzi A:, Pedrotti F., 1992 - Libro Rosso delle Piante d’Italia. Roma, Ministero dell’Ambiente, WWF. 637 pp.