Acrostichum danaeifolium aka Inland Leatherfern

Acrostichum danaeifolium is a fern in the Pteridaceae family. It stays green all year. People call it leather fern or giant leather fern. It grows in tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. Its range spans Argentina and Peru to Mexico and Florida. It also grows across the Caribbean. Wild plants live in lowland swamps, or near ponds and canals. These sites have fresh water or water with mild salt levels.

This fern forms an upright clump with an open shape. Its fleshy roots grow from an erect rhizome, or root stem. The University of Florida gives two garden height ranges. Its introduction states 4–8 feet [1.2–2.4 metres]. Its size table states 6–12 feet [1.8–3.7 metres]. The spread reaches 5–10 feet [1.5–3 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives frond lengths of about 10 feet [3 metres]. The fern grows at a moderate rate.

The green fronds feel coarse. They are pinnate, with leaflets along a central stalk. They reach 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] long. The leaflets are narrow to oblong and have wavy edges. The leaves stay green, with no fall colour change. Fertile fronds bear brown spores on their lower sides. These brown areas contrast with the rest of the green clump. The plant bears no flowers or fruit. Its stem adds little visual interest.

Shade or part shade gives the best growth in gardens. Sun can suit plants that grow beside water. Long spells of summer sun can scorch the frond edges. Keep the soil moist. This fern copes with little drought, but withstands long floods. It grows in sand, loam, or clay. Soil can range from acidic to slightly alkaline. The fern copes with salty soil. Still, it needs shelter from direct salt spray. Useful Tropical Plants says it needs damp air and no frost. The University of Florida lists USDA zones 9b–11b.

Use this large fern in groups, borders, or on its own. Its broad fronds contrast with plants that have finer leaves. The Florida account reports no major pest or disease problems. It also reports no known tendency to become invasive. Useful Tropical Plants warns it can overrun disturbed mangrove sites. It lists the fern as Least Concern, citing a 2010 assessment. People eat the young buds as a vegetable. For fever, people have used plant infusions as a folk remedy. They drink these or rub them on their skin. These records do not prove that such use helps treat illness. The same source lists no known hazards. It does not assess whether the fern is safe for pets.