Family: Pteridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1074 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pteris
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Longleaf Brake, known scientifically as Pteris longifolia, is a notable species within the fern family Pteridaceae. This plant was first documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who is often abbreviated as “L.” in botanical literature. The initial description appeared in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, denoting its historical significance in botanical studies.
Longleaf Brake is distinguished by its elegant and elongated fronds, which embody the classic aesthetic of fern foliage. These fronds can grow impressively long, contributing both to the plant’s common name and to its visual appeal in natural settings.
Geographically, Pteris longifolia has a distribution that extends from Mexico through Tropical America. This wide range suggests an adaptability to various tropical climates and conditions, enabling it to thrive in diverse environments. Its presence across such a broad area highlights the plant’s ecological versatility and resilience.
In cultivation, Longleaf Brake is appreciated for its ornamental value. It makes a charming addition to shaded gardens and indoor plant collections, providing a touch of tropical elegance. Its care requirements typically align with those of other ferns, favoring moist, well-drained soil and indirect light.
The Longleaf Brake, with its rich botanical history and widespread presence in tropical regions, stands as a testament to the diversity and beauty of the Pteridaceae family. Whether found in the wild or cultivated in gardens, it continues to enchant plant enthusiasts around the world.
Common Names
Eng: longleaf brake, long-leaved brake
En: Longleaf brake, Long-Leaf Brake, Long-leaved brake, Ladder Brake
Fr: Fougère à feuilles longues, Ptéris à longues feuilles
De: Gebänderte Saumfarn
It: Pteride à foglie lunghe
Synonyms
- Pteris longifolia f. bipinnata (Proctor)
- Pteris longifolia var. decrescens (C.Chr.)
- Pycnodoria bahamensis ((J.Agardh) Small)
- Pteris diversifolia var. bahamensis (J.Agardh)
- Pycnodoria pinetorum (Small)
- Pteris longifolia var. mariesii (Pynaert)
- Pteris bahamensis ((J.Agardh) Fée)
- Pycnodoria longifolia ((L.) Britton)
- Pteris vittata subsp. longifolia ((L.) Fraser-Jenk. & Pariyar)
- Pteris aequalis (C.Presl)
- Pteris stipularis (L.)
- Pteris longifolia f. stipularis ((L.) Proctor & Lourteig)
- Pteris longifolia var. bahamensis ((J.Agardh) Hieron.)
- Pteris longifolia var. angusta (Christ)
Distribution
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Rona Karin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 27, 2019 by lyn Miranda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Oliveira Danyelle (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 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.
Bark
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275397)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:213930-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pteris longifolia L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb