This unique dwarf xeric (dryland) fern has fronds shaped like a 5 pointed star suspended on purplish-brown stems!  The lowest set of leaflets (basal pinnae) extend far out in a winglike fashion, curving up toward the top (apex) of the blade, forming the two side points of its distinctive star shape.  On the basal pinnae, the first pair of leaflets closest to the stalk (basioscopic pinnae) are quite elongated as well, angling out away from the stalk to form the bottom most points of a star shape, with apex of the frond forming the tip of the star. The reverse (abaxial) side of the foliage has bright, silvery white coloration, which acts a reflective shield to protect the foliage and the root system from heat in warm environments.  Like many xeric ferns, it prefers a moderate amount of sun to thrive and in its native habitat throughout China and Taiwan is found growing on rocky outcroppings.  It thrives in poor, gritty soils, but prefers nooks to crannies keep its roots cool and needs good drainage to prevent rhizome rot.

Frond Condition: Evergreen, emerging along the rhizome rather than in a rosette

Mature Size: 6”-10” (Dwarf)

Root Type: slowly creeping rhizome that clumps rather than colonizing

Origin: Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, Phillipines

Cultural Requirements: Part Sun, Lightly Moist to Dryish, prefers loose rocky soil and crevices in rock formations, needs good drainage.

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10