Called "Lengua de ciervo" in Spain (Tongue fern, in English) by the curious shape of their fronds of entire blade with two divergent auricules at their base. Their habitats are the cracks of rocks north-facing, cool, shaded and moist, with a predilection for the oozing, as well as caves, streams and ravines. It can also live with some sun exposure if their roots get constant moisture during the drier months.
This small fern in recent years has had to bear, in addition, the voracity of the feral goats, which as a highly destructive pest is destroying the most endangered flora of Mallorca.
About 15 kilometers from the small champion, in a wet and gloomy ravine through which the Torrent of Pareis on the northwest coast of Mallorca live this old matriarch of large fronds extended to the light, whose beautiful sori show through to the light. A growing around dozens of its young daughters, who are a hope for the future. (Double click on the photo to enlarge)
In Andalusia, the tongue fern is in serious danger of extinction, with only a few known populations with few individuals in the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema and the Natural Park de los Alcornocales in the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. Is listed as vulnerable in the Red List of Vascular Flora of Andalusia.. http://waste.ideal.es/listarojaandalucia.htm
And finally the result after two long years of cultivation: a dozen small Phyllitis sagittata newly transplanted to individual flowerpots. Within a year or less, will be able to be transplanted near his mother, to strengthen the population of the Albufera of Mallorca.