Ebony spleenwort, Asplenium platyneuron, is a common evergreen fern of rocky woodland slopes on thin soil, sometimes on nearly bare rock. This species is unique among ferns for its anomalous distribution that includes both eastern half of North America and southern Africa. Unlike other spleenworts, ebony spleenwort has dimorphic leaf blades, with the fertile (spore-bearing) fronds being tall and erect, while the sterile fronds are short and prostrate or arching. Easily cultivated in a shady rock garden or flowerpot. PhotoMcCurtain Co., AR.