Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (Langsd. & Fisch.) Ching
Bibliography: Sunyatsenia 5: 250 (1940)
Year: 1940
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ctenitis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Brownhair lacefern, scientifically known as Ctenitis submarginalis, is a striking species of fern that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions across America. This exquisite plant is a member of the Polypodiaceae family, which consists of a diverse array of ferns renowned for their distinct adaptations and forms.
First formally described in a publication by Sunyatsenia in 1940, Ctenitis submarginalis was introduced to the scientific community by the authoritative botanists Langsdorff and Fischer, with the name later refined by Ching. The fern’s unique appearance is characterized by its delicate, lace-like fronds adorned with fine, brownish hairs, which contribute to its common name, the Brownhair lacefern.
Ctenitis submarginalis exhibits a remarkable adaptability to various environmental conditions typical of tropical and subtropical climates. Its lush, green fronds provide an elegant touch to the underbrush of forests, often forming dense, vibrant clusters that contribute significantly to the ecosystem’s biodiversity. Known for its resilience and aesthetic appeal, this fern is a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike.
Understanding the growing conditions and ecological role of Ctenitis submarginalis is crucial for conservation efforts and for those looking to cultivate this fern in botanical gardens or as part of ornamental plant collections. Its presence in the wild is not only an indicator of a healthy, thriving habitat but also a testament to the rich botanical diversity found within tropical and subtropical regions.
In essence, the Brownhair lacefern stands as a significant species within the Polypodiaceae family, showcasing nature’s intricate beauty and the importance of preserving our global plant heritage.
Common Names
Eng: brownhair lacefern
En: Brownhair lacefern
Synonyms
- Polypodium submarginale (Langsd. & Fisch.)
- Thelypteris submarginalis ((Langsd. & Fisch.) Small)
- Phegopteris submarginalis ((Langsd. & Fisch.) J.Sm.)
- Dryopteris submarginalis ((Langsd. & Fisch.) C.Chr. & Cogn.)
- Nephrodium submarginale ((Langsd. & Fisch.) Hicken)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Trang Dang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (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/2650915)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17379700-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ctenitis submarginalis (Langsd. & Fisch.) Ching)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb