Pteris dentata, commonly known as Toothed Brake Fern, is a perennial fern native to the understory of tropical and subtropical forests in continental Africa. It thrives in the humid and sheltered conditions of the forest floor, often in damp and shady places. This fern typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.46-0.8 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Its fronds are arching and pinnate, with tooth-like serrations along the edges, giving rise to its common name.

Toothed Brake Fern is valued for its lush, green foliage that adds a tropical feel to shaded garden areas. It is an excellent choice for ground cover in woodland gardens, as an understory plant in shaded borders, or in containers for indoor use. It requires consistent moisture and does best in part shade, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch its delicate fronds. The fern prefers medium or fast draining loam or sandy soils, with medium amounts of water. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be susceptible to common fern pests such as scale insects and mealybugs. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plants, gardeners should monitor and manage its growth responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0