Family: Pteridaceae
Author: Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 5: 441 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Adiantum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Fourleaf maidenhair, scientifically known as Adiantum tetraphyllum, is a captivating fern belonging to the family Pteridaceae. This delicate and visually striking plant thrives across a broad geographical range that extends from Mexico to tropical regions of Central and South America.
First described in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1810 by prominent botanists Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland, with later contributions from Carl Ludwig Willdenow, the Fourleaf maidenhair has since been recognized for its unique foliage and elegant appearance.
One of the distinctive features of the Fourleaf maidenhair is its finely divided leaves, which often appear in groups of four, hence the common name. These leaves exhibit a lush, vibrant green color that can add a touch of natural beauty to any setting. The delicate fronds are supported by slender, dark stems, creating a striking contrast and enhancing the visual appeal of the plant.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, Adiantum tetraphyllum plays a role in its native ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and complexity of the habitats it occupies. Fern enthusiasts and horticulturists often seek out this species for cultivation due to its graceful form and relatively undemanding care requirements.
In cultivating the Fourleaf maidenhair, it’s essential to replicate its natural environment as closely as possible. It thrives in humid conditions with indirect light, making it well-suited for shaded garden areas or indoor settings where it can receive filtered sunlight. Consistent moisture is critical for maintaining the health of its fronds, but care should be taken to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Overall, the Fourleaf maidenhair is a remarkable fern that not only enriches its natural habitats but also offers plant lovers a chance to bring a piece of tropical elegance into their own spaces.
Common Names
Eng: fourleaf maidenhair
En: Fourleaf maidenhair
Synonyms
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. microphyllum (Splitg.)
- Adiantum laxum (Kunze)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. obtusum (Mett.)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum f. obtusum (Kuhn)
- Adiantum macrocarpum (C.Presl)
- Adiantum pachysorum (Rchb.)
- Adiantum hendersonii (Linden)
- Adiantum prionophyllum var. curtum (T.Moore)
- Adiantum prionophyllum var. subcoriaceum (T.Moore)
- Synaphlebium tetraphyllum (Fée)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum f. genuina (Hieron.)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. macropterum (Kunze)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. subsimplex (Christ)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. paucijugum (Jenman)
- Adiantum kohautianum (C.Presl)
- Adiantum prionophyllum (Kunth)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum f. apiculatum (Kuhn)
- Adiantum tetraphyllum var. costaricense (Christ)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- 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)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651840)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315261-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum tetraphyllum Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb