LYGODIUM japonicum. Climbing fern. Japan, Southeast Asia. The lygodiums are some of the mavericks among ferns, refusing to abide by normal rules of growth. Though they have rather typical, branched rhizomes, the fronds which arise from these rhizomes continue to unfold for many months, extending and twining around any available support as they go. This species grows 4-8' tall, with many fronds arising from a narrow base. Each vegetative frond has a long, bright green, very slender stalk and along its upper reaches, several rather finely divided pinnae, or leaflets. There are also specialized fertile, or spore-bearing, fronds with narrower segments. Climbing fern is a fine container subject and can be used effectively with stakes or trellises or spilling over walls, like some of the smaller flowering vines. It should have a well drained, acid soil, light to moderate shade and constant moisture while in active growth. Hardy to about 20oF.