moonwort
/ˈmunˌwɜrt/
noun
- A small fern with crescent-shaped or moon-shaped leaflets, found in grasslands and open woods.
- The botanist explained that moonwort is one of the oldest fern species in this region.
- Moonwort's delicate, rounded leaves make it easy to identify among other woodland plants.
- While hiking through the meadow, we spotted a patch of moonwort growing near the old stone wall.
- A plant believed in folklore to have magical properties, such as opening locks or revealing hidden treasures.
- Farmers once hung moonwort in their barns to protect livestock from evil spirits.
- In medieval stories, moonwort was said to unlock any door or chest when held in the hand.
- The old herbal claimed that moonwort could make invisible things visible if gathered under a full moon.