Doradilla (Ceterach aureum)

Rosette fern, with fasciculate fronds (leaves), shortly creeping rhizome. Dark green on top, densely tomentose and reddish-brown beneath, up to 30 cm long and 6 cm wide. Spore cases are irregular, long and somewhat linear. This plant is considered a native of the Canaries (apparently present throughout the islands), but sightings in Cape Verde are questionable, due to a group of similar species whose taxonomy is highly controversial. It grows on rock crevices, earthy slopes and stone hedges in damp areas, preferably from 500-1,200 m, in evergreen and mixed pine forest. At present, it is rather scarce in Tenerife and La Palma, the result of overzealous harvesting for therapeutic purposes—this plant is used as a natural remedy, particularly as a diuretic. Consequently, it is under a certain degree of threat, despite being relatively abundant in some areas, where it appears to be making a recovery.