Adder's Tongue

The following is taken from the excellent book by C.N.Page,

The Ferns of Britain and Ireland.

Ophioglossum vulgatum

Prothalli of 0. vulgatum are subterranean, lack chlorophyll, and have an essential association with endotrophic (internal) mycorrhizal fungi, which provide the slowly growing prothallus with nutrients which are said to be saprophytically obtained from matter in the soil. It seems likely that some sort of association with other plants providing decaying organic matter, such as grasses, may be of importance. Manton in 1950 recorded prothalli in Cheshire at depths of 5 in. (about 12cm) beneath the surface of grass, looking like ‘little contorted worm-like objects' without vascular tissue. It seems likely, too, that an endotrophic mycorrhizal association within the fleshy roots of the sporophyte plant is also of importance in its success.

In earlier centuries, Adder's-tongue was clearly better known than today, and occurred in quantity. Reports suggest that it could be found covering acres of meadowland, and when it did so, gained the reputation of being highly injurious to the crop of grass. Plants were regarded as having great power of evil, hence perhaps the derivation of its name. It was prized as a remedial by old herbalists as a reputed antidote to snake-bite. Today it is very much less common than formerly, having declined appreciably over the last 300 years, and even in the last 20 years, seems to have disappeared totally from many of its more peripheral (especially southern Scottish and Irish) stations. Although part of this may be due to subtle climatic changes much of it is probably due to changes brought about by human beings. Plants seem avidly eaten by rabbits and sheep, and probably also by cattle, having a relatively palatable sweet taste.* The Adder's-tongue is also very sensitive to drying out and to habitat disturbance of all kinds. Drainage of damper parts of old meadows and ploughing up of old pasture lands, which may have remained unchanged for centuries, have probably been some of the main factors in the plant's widespread reduction in recent years. But other factors may also be involved, and the plant's susceptibility to agricultural herbicides as well as to air pollution, might also stand investigation.

However a specimen experimentally eaten by the author caused swelling of the tongue, and this is not recommended! C.N.Page.

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