Adder’s Tongue

Ophioglossum vulgartum

This tiny Fern is about 4 inches tall. It has a single leaf and a spore bearing spike which gives it its name. In past times it was believed to be a cure for snake bites.

It is a very ancient plant and its very long development may be the reason for its most amazing characteristic.
Human beings have 46 chromosomes. Adder’s Tongue has 1260 chromosomes, the highest number yet found in the biological world.