Ophioglossum lusitanicum L.

Rhizome erect, cylindrical; roots fleshy, spreading; horizontal ones producing vegetative buds often resulting in large colonies. Fronds 1 or 2, 1.5–20 cm tall. Common stipe 5–70 mm long. Sterile lamina 8–35 (–75) mm long, 2–15 mm wide, fleshy, elliptic, ovate to obovate, acute, more rarely obtuse; base rounded to truncate or cuneate and gradually tapering to a common stipe; venation single, usually obscure; areoles variable, as long as wide or elongated. Sporophore 5–120 mm long, on a stipe 5–110 mm long; sterile tip rarely more than 1.5 mm long. See also Green (1994: 553), as Ophioglossum coriaceum.

It is a temperate plant. It grows in grassland throughout New Zealand. It can grow up to 1200 or 1500 m altitude. It can survive harsh conditions including fire and flood. Tasmania Herbarium.

The tuber is eaten after roasting.