Parablechnum

They say everything in Australia is out to kill you, and the fern enthusiast may just die without this beast in their collection. Jurassic-looking fronds up to 4' of a lustrous dark green, finely lined and so thick and rough as to almost seem plastic. It's difficult to imagine a fern more tall, dark, and handsome. Which I guess means now is a good time to talk about the fertile fronds, think a taller slimmer version of the gorgeous sterile fronds painted with the dark sori underneath. Perfect for a rich, wet corner of your private fernery, where you spend sweet life-giving time with your precious Pteridophytes.

One of those dramatic ferns which cannot help itself from stealing the spotlight. This spreading Chilean relative to our Deer Fern loves a rich, moist spot where it makes a colony displaying its awesome-by-anyone's-definition leaves. Leaves, which in the endless buffet of nutrient-laden compost and with ample water, can reach 4'-5' tall. Evergreen except in hard winters.