Family: Schizaeaceae
Author: Sw.
Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1801 [2]. 303 (1801)
Year: 1801
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lygodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Monarch climbing fern, scientifically known as Lygodium venustum, is a distinctive and elegant species within the Schizaeaceae family. Known for its striking foliage, this fern is a prominent feature of the tropical landscape, flourishing from Mexico through to tropical regions of Central and South America.
Typically found in humid, forested areas, Lygodium venustum thrives in environments that provide ample moisture and filtered sunlight. This climber is characterized by its long, slender fronds that gracefully ascend surrounding vegetation, often leading to its categorization as a “climbing fern.” The fronds split into intricate, feather-like structures, lending the plant its ornate appearance and making it a favorite for those seeking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their garden or interior decor.
The plant has a storied history in botanical literature, with its formal description dating back to 1801 by the botanist Swartz, documented in the reputable journal J. Bot. (Schrader). This early classification underscores the longstanding interest in and appreciation for the fern within the scientific community.
Caring for the Monarch climbing fern involves mimicking its natural habitat; thus, ensuring high humidity and moderate to warm temperatures is paramount. It is often used in landscape design and interior decoration, where its unique climbing ability and delicate fronds can be displayed to full effect.
Lygodium venustum not only adds aesthetic value but also plays a role in the ecological tapestry of its native regions. It can be used to provide cover and habitat for various small organisms, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
In conclusion, the Monarch climbing fern, Lygodium venustum, is lauded for both its beauty and its ecological significance. Its presence from Mexico to tropical America testifies to its adaptability and enduring nature, making it a noteworthy subject of both horticultural interest and botanical study.
Common Names
Por: abre-caminho
Eng: monarch climbing fern
En: Monarch climbing fern
Pt: Abre caminho, Abre-caminho
Synonyms
- Lygodium venustum f. hirsuta (Maury)
- Lygodium venustum var. granatense (Christ)
- Lygodium mexicanum (C.Presl)
- Lygodium volubile var. hirsutum (Bonap.)
- Lygodium polymorphum f. glabra (R.Knuth)
- Hydroglossum hirsutum (Willd.)
- Lygodium mucronulatum (Sturm)
- Lygodium palmatilobum (Sturm)
- Hydroglossum hastatum (Willd.)
- Lygodium commutatum (C.Presl)
- Lygodium pohlianum (C.Presl)
- Lygodium hastatum (Desv.)
- Lygodium polymorphum var. hirsutum (Farw.)
- Lygodium polymorphum f. hirsuta (R.Knuth)
- Lygodium schiedeanum (C.Presl)
- Lygodium polymorphum var. palmatilobum (Farw.)
- Lygodium venustum f. glabra (Maury)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken May 18, 2019 by Barbosa Roberta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Solianne Braz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Barbosa Roberta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Eri Costa (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650437)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17143510-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lygodium venustum Sw.)