Blechnum tabulare or the Mountain blechnum is a large, attractive fern that is indigenous to sub-saharan Africa. It occurs from the Cape, South Africa, as far north as Uganda and Nigeria. This fern's natural habitat is along river banks and on the margins of afro-montane forests. It grows very well in shady areas, making it a popular plant for African gardens. Unfortunately this has led to a large illegal trade in these plants which has seen their numbers decline. They grow in a similar way to the classic tree ferns (Cyathea), and are also often mistaken for being cycads.