Family: Pteridaceae
Author: Burm.
Bibliography: Fl. Ind.: 230 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pteris
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific
Description
The Sword brake, scientifically known as Pteris ensiformis, is a fascinating fern belonging to the family Pteridaceae. First documented by Burm. in “Flora Indica” (1768), this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts with its unique characteristics and widespread presence.
Native to tropical and subtropical regions stretching from Asia to the Pacific, the Sword brake thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. This fern is often noted for its distinctive sword-like fronds, which can vary in shape and size, adding to its ornamental appeal.
The foliage of Pteris ensiformis typically features a vibrant green hue, creating a lush, verdant display. It is a popular choice among gardeners and indoor plant aficionados due to its aesthetic qualities and relatively easy care requirements. Given the right conditions, such as adequate humidity and indirect light, the Sword brake can flourish, making it a delightful addition to both natural landscapes and indoor plant collections.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Sword brake contributes to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits. It often forms an integral part of the understorey in tropical forests, playing a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of these ecosystems.
Pteris ensiformis serves as a testament to the rich botanical heritage of the regions from which it originates, encompassing a blend of natural beauty and ecological significance. Whether admired in the wild or cultivated for ornamental purposes, the Sword brake remains a notable species within the diverse world of ferns.
Common Names
Swe: drottningbräken
Eng: slender brake, sword brake
En: Sword brake, Slender brake
Ar: ديشار سيفي الشكل
Zh: 箭葉鳳尾蕨
Fi: Sapelisanikka
Fr: Ptéris à feuilles fines
Sv: Drottningbräken
Zh-tw: 箭葉鳳尾蕨
Synonyms
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
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.
Habit
Taken May 18, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 28, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 18, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Lucy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2022 by Joyce Djaelani Gordon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Biologo Rolfe Madeira (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by AZOD1. exe (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 18, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3914366)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17212520-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pteris ensiformis Burm. f.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb