Family: Pteridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1097 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Adiantum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mexico to C. America, Cuba, Jamaica, SE. & S. Brazil
Description
The Giant Maidenhair, adorned with the scientific name Adiantum trapeziforme, is a distinguished member of the Pteridaceae family. Originating from a diverse array of landscapes, this enchanting fern is indigenous to regions stretching from Mexico through Central America, extending its reach to Cuba, Jamaica, and further south to the southeastern and southern parts of Brazil.
First described in the seminal botanical reference Species Plantarum in 1753 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, the Giant Maidenhair has since intrigued and captivated plant enthusiasts and botanists alike.
Characterized by its delicate, fan-shaped fronds, Adiantum trapeziforme exemplifies the hallmark beauty of maidenhair ferns. The foliage is a vibrant green, gracefully arrayed along slender, arching black stems that create an airy and elegant display. These fronds are typically large and trapezoidal, which is reflected in the species’ name.
In its natural habitat, the Giant Maidenhair thrives in the humid, shaded understories of tropical and subtropical forests, often where it can find the humid and moisture-rich conditions it favours. This fern is an exquisite addition to shaded garden landscapes or indoor plant collections, requiring similar environments replicated in cultivation – a balance of indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil.
With its verdant, feathery fronds, this plant not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the serene, lush atmosphere of any botanical setting it graces. As a testament to its enduring beauty and ecological adaptability, Adiantum trapeziforme continues to be a cherished species within both natural habitats and cultivated spaces around the world.
Common Names
Eng: diamond maidenhair, giant maidenhair
En: Giant maidenhair, Diamond maidenhair, Diamond Maidenhair Fern
Ar: برشاوشان مربعي الشكل
Synonyms
- Adiantum cultratum (J.Sm.)
- Adiantum rhomboideum (Schkuhr)
- Adiantum pentadactylon (Langsd. & Fisch.)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. oblongatum (T.Moore)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. incisum (Christ)
- Adiantum eminens (C.Presl)
- Adiantum formosissimum (Klotzsch)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. plumieri (T.Moore)
- Adiantum trapeziforme subsp. pentadactylon (Luetzelb.)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. pentadactylon ((Langsd. & Fisch.) T.Moore)
- Adiantum schmalzii (Rosenst.)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. cultratum ((J.Sm. ex Hook.) Baker)
- Adiantum trapeziforme var. catharinae (Regel)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (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.
Leaf
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Bruno Mollaret (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2021 by Frans Simanungkalit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Dec 20, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651847)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315079-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum trapeziforme L.)