CRETAN BRAKE FERN

The variety of Pteris cretica ferns that are cultivated display different shaped and colored fronds, but share very similar characteristics and care requirements. The P.cretica albolineata also called the variegated table fern is one of the most common that has broad green leaflets and a pale center. The P.cretica has slimmer green leaflets with serrated edges.

The growth habit (clump-forming) of this species is to produce wiry thread-like stalks from small rhizomes in the soil and the stalks produce pinnate leaflets in rows. In a way, they kind of resemble a palm to me in looks, although they do not have a main stem. I can’t really say this plant looks like any other, even other ferns are only similar because they have fronds, so you can completely disagree with the palm resemblance I see.