Family: Schizaeaceae
Author: (Cav.) R.Br.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 162 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lygodium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World
Description
The Climbing-maidenhair fern, scientifically known as Lygodium microphyllum, is a distinctive and intriguing member of the fern flora, renowned for its unusual growth habits and delicate appearance. Originating from the Tropical and Subtropical regions of the Old World, this fern is part of the Schizaeaceae family and was first formally described in 1810 by the botanist Robert Brown, with the original credit for discovery attributed to Antonio José Cavanilles.
Lygodium microphyllum sets itself apart from other ferns due to its climbing nature, a characteristic seldom seen among its peers. This perennial fern is recognized for its ability to ascend and spread across various surfaces, using its slender, twining fronds. These fronds can grow to impressive lengths, often forming dense mats that blanket trees, shrubs, and even man-made structures.
The fronds themselves are a marvel, consisting of small, intricately divided leaflets that provide a delicate, lace-like appearance. This fern features a unique form of reproduction known as spore dispersal, where tiny spores are produced on the undersides of the fronds and carried away by wind to germinate in suitable environments.
Adapted to thrive in a wide range of conditions, the Climbing-maidenhair fern prefers moist, shaded areas but displays remarkable resilience in less ideal settings. However, in some regions, particularly in parts of Florida, USA, it has become an invasive species, posing a threat to native plant communities by outcompeting them for light and nutrients.
Owing to its aesthetic appeal and unique morphology, Lygodium microphyllum is sometimes sought after for ornamental purposes. Despite this, its invasive potential requires careful management and considerations to prevent ecological disruptions.
In summary, the Climbing-maidenhair fern, or Lygodium microphyllum, is a fascinating and versatile plant within the Schizaeaceae family, distinguished by its climbing habit and finely divided foliage. Its spread across the tropics and subtropics showcases its adaptability, making it both a botanical curiosity and, in certain contexts, a species of concern.
Common Names
Eng: old world climbing fern, small-leaf climbing fern, climbing-maidenhair fern, small leaf climbing fern, small-leaved climbing fern, snake fern
En: Climbing-maidenhair fern, Old World climbing fern, Small-leaf climbing fern, Snake fern, Small leaf climbing fern, Small-leaved climbing fern
Zh: 小叶海金沙, 小葉海金沙
Fa: مارسرخس
Zh-tw: 小葉海金沙
Zh-hant: 小葉海金沙
Synonyms
- Lygodium scandens var. microphyllum ((Cav.) Luerss.)
- Ophioglossum filiforme (Roxb.)
- Ugena microphylla (Cav.)
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Angola (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Benin (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Line Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Florida (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Sunny Almeida (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2019 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2017 by Frank Hübner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2019 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Aiman H (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 3, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Nicolas Lormee (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Nicolas Lormee (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 3, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 3, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650435)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17143140-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br.)