Family: Lindsaeaceae
Author: Sw.
Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 77 (1801)
Year: 1801
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lindsaea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World
Description
The Graceful Necklace Fern, scientifically known as Lindsaea ensifolia, is a delicate and charming fern that belongs to the family Lindsaeaceae. This fern graces the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, distinguishing itself through its elegant appearance and adaptability to diverse environments.
A perennial favorite among fern enthusiasts, Lindsaea ensifolia features slender, arching fronds that create a cascading effect, much like a string of delicate green beads, which lends to its common name, the Graceful Necklace Fern. The fronds are comprised of linear leaflets that are finely divided and display a symmetrical, feather-like structure. These leaflets grow in a manner that is both neat and visually captivating, adding an aesthetic appeal to shaded garden corners or indoor plant collections.
The history of Lindsaea ensifolia in scientific literature dates back to an early 19th-century reference by the botanist Sw. It was first described in the periodical J. Bot. (Schrader) in the year 1801, demonstrating its long-standing recognition within botanical circles. This historical context underscores the significance of Lindsaea ensifolia as a well-documented and studied species within its native habitats.
Thriving in humid environments typical of tropical and subtropical regions, the Graceful Necklace Fern favors well-drained soils and shaded areas. It is often found in forest understories where it enjoys protection from direct sunlight, which helps maintain the lush, green vibrancy of its fronds. Its ability to adapt to various growing conditions makes it a resilient addition to gardens that mimic its native habitat, as well as a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts seeking to emulate tropical elegance indoors.
In summary, Lindsaea ensifolia, or the Graceful Necklace Fern, is not only a botanical specimen of historical relevance but also a plant celebrated for its ornamental value. Its graceful fronds and adaptability to a range of growing environments ensure that it remains a cherished species among both botanists and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Eng: graceful necklace fern
En: Graceful necklace fern
Synonyms
- Schizolegnia ensifolia ((Sw.) Alston)
- Adiantum ensifolium ((Sw.) Poir.)
- Schizoloma ensifolium ((Sw.) J.Sm.)
- Schizoloma ensifolium var. normale (Domin)
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Réunion (native)
- Seychelles (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Hawaii (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken May 27, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken May 27, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken May 27, 2009 by Endemia – Rémy Prelli (cc-by-nc)
© 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/2650772)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17134850-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lindsaea ensifolia Sw.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb