One of the many species of the genus Asplenium (720 species, Kramer & Viane 1990). Found throughout Europe and Asia. In Malta and Central Europe, it is considered critically endangered and is protected. It prefers rock crevices and thrives in stony and rocky areas with a northerly orientation. To protect itself from the sun, it turns its leaves, which have a golden color on the underside, thereby reflecting light and heat. At the same time, it keeps its leaves short; however, in shady areas, the leaves can grow two or three times as long.The ancient Greeks considered it a medicinal plant with exceptional diuretic and expectorant properties. In Crete, it is considered a remedy for urinary stones and kidney stones. Other common names include skorpidi, chrysokhoro, and asplenio.
