Family: Dryopteridaceae
Genus: Polystichum
Botanical name: Polystichum neolobatum
Height: 50cm

This handsome mountain-loving fern has a wide distribution, being found from Taiwan and Japan to Tibet and Nepal. The bipinnate fronds, which may grow to 50cm in length, are a glossy dark-green and have a very leathery and prickly feel to them. The stalk and midrib are densely scaly. With its tough frond-texture Polystichum neolobatum will often remain evergreen through British winters. It is an easy-to-cultivate species – one of the hardiest as its glossy leaves are impervious to winter. Stays strong and upright even in snow.