Polystichum

The genus Polystichum includes over two hundred species distributed between tropical and subantarctic regions. Polystichums are perennial ferns whose stump is important. The foliage is dense, evergreen, often shiny, and highly decorative. The pinnate and single fronds are ribbon-shaped. Ornamental species are becoming increasingly widespread, such as the Christmas Fern with its tough evergreen fronds, decorative even in the heart of winter, or Polystichum polyblepharum, also known as the Japanese Tassel Fern, which has long, evergreen fronds measuring 50-60 cm (20-24in), of a very finely dissected dark green colour.

Polystichums generally thrive in shade or partial shade, in rich and humus-bearing but well-drained soil.