Family: Hymenophyllaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1097 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trichomanes
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Trop. America
Description
The Crisped bristle fern, known scientifically as Trichomanes crispum, is an intriguing and delicate species within the family Hymenophyllaceae. Recognized formally in the influential botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by Linnaeus, this fern has captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
This fern is predominantly found from the lush, diverse regions of Mexico, specifically in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, extending through the tropical landscapes of the Americas. Its natural habitat consists of moist, shaded environments, often nestled in the rich underbrush of tropical rainforests where humidity levels are consistently high.
The Crisped bristle fern exhibits characteristic intricacies in its structure. The fronds of this fern are finely divided and display a delicate, almost lacy appearance that is both visually captivating and emblematic of the resilience of ferns that thrive in humid, low-light habitats. These finely cut fronds contribute not only to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also to its adaptability in densely vegetated areas where light competition is fierce.
In terms of ecological significance, the Crisped bristle fern plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It contributes to the biodiversity of the forest floor, providing microhabitats for various small invertebrates, and assisting in maintaining the moisture levels of the forest by trapping and slowly releasing water, thus supporting the intricate web of life that relies on these conditions.
Due to its specific habitat requirements and the threats posed by deforestation and habitat degradation, the Crisped bristle fern symbolizes the delicate balance of tropical forest ecosystems and the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect these vital areas.
The botanical allure and ecological importance of Trichomanes crispum make it a notable subject for further study and conservation, highlighting the intricate and often overlooked beauty of fern species within the span of tropical biodiversity.
Common Names
Eng: crisped bristle fern
En: Crisped bristle fern
Synonyms
- Trichomanes crispum var. remotum (Fée)
- Trichomanes cristatum var. crispum ((L.) Vareschi)
- Trichomanes crispum f. remotum ((Fée) Domin)
- Trichomanes molle (Fourn.)
- Trichomanes fastigiatum (Siebold)
- Trichomanes gardneri (Bosch)
- Trichomanes longifolium (Desv.)
- Trichomanes lindigii (Fourn.)
- Ptilophyllum crispum ((L.) Prantl)
- Ragatelus eriophorus (C.Presl)
- Trichomanes crispum var. fastigiata (Hieron.)
- Trichomanes crispum f. genuina (Hieron.)
- Trichomanes eriophorum ((C.Presl) Bosch)
- Trichomanes haenkeanum (C.Presl)
- Trichomanes badium (E.Fourn.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Central American Pac (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 16, 2020 by Josemanuel Trujillo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 13, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275177)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:257306-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichomanes crispum L.)