Family: Schizaeaceae
Author: (Thunb.) Sw.
Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 106 (1801)
Year: 1801
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lygodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Caroline Is. (Palau)
Description
The Japanese climbing fern, scientifically known as Lygodium japonicum, is a unique and fascinating species within the Schizaeaceae family. First documented in the early 19th century, this fern was comprehensively described in J. Bot. (Schrader) in 1800 and officially named in 1801 by botanist Carl Thunberg, with subsequent classification by Olof Swartz.
Lygodium japonicum is predominantly found across various tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, extending to the Caroline Islands, specifically Palau. This widespread distribution underscores its adaptability to different climatic conditions within these warmer zones.
Unlike most ferns, Lygodium japonicum exhibits a climbing growth habit, which sets it apart visually and functionally. The plant’s fronds can climb and sprawl over surfaces, thereby allowing it to cover large areas. This characteristic climbing nature is a key identifier and adds to its ornamental appeal in gardens and natural landscapes.
Ecologically, the Japanese climbing fern thrives in humid, forested environments where it can often be seen twining up trees and shrubs, thereby forming dense and elaborate green tapestries. Its ability to spread and create thick vegetative cover can provide ample habitat for various wildlife, although this same trait has also led to its consideration as an invasive species in some regions outside its native range.
Due to its distinctive allure and climbing habit, Lygodium japonicum is appreciated by plant enthusiasts and gardeners who seek to introduce a touch of exotic greenery to their surroundings. However, those cultivating this fern should be mindful of its potential to spread robustly, ensuring it does not disrupt native plant communities.
In summary, the Japanese climbing fern is a remarkable example of botanical beauty and adaptability. Its historical significance, ecological role, and unique climber characteristics make it a notable species within the Schizaeaceae family, deserving both admiration and careful management.
Common Names
Eng: japanese climbing fern
Deu: japanischer kletterfarn
Dan: japansk klatrebregne
Swe: japansk klätterbräken
En: Japanese climbing fern
Zh: 海金沙
Da: Japansk klatrebregne
De: Japanischer Kletterfarn
Ja: Kani-kusa, Tsuru-shinobu
Ml: ലൈഗോഡിയം ജപോണികം
No: Japansk klatrebregne
Sv: Japansk klätterbräken
Zh-tw: 海金沙
Zh-hant: 海金沙
Synonyms
- Lygodium microstachyum (Desv.)
- Lygodium microphyllum (Link)
- Lygodium microstachyum var. glabrescens (Nakai)
- Lygodium hazaricum (F.Haq)
- Adiantum scandens (Lour.)
- Lygodium mearnsii (Copel.)
- Hydroglossum japonicum ((Thunb.) Willd.)
- Lygodium chaerophylloides (Desv.)
- Lygodium cochinchinense ((Poir.) Desv.)
- Lygodium finlaysonianum (Wall.)
- Lygodium japonicum var. microstachyum ((Desv.) C.Chr. & Tardieu)
- Lygodium dissectum (Desv.)
- Hydroglossum dissectum ((Desv.) Steud.)
- Lygodium japonicum f. elongata (Alderw.)
- Trichomanes cochinchinense (Poir.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Korea (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2022 by aithena munkyfunk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Mackenzie Nicosia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Becca McCoy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by 道草 (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.
Habit
Taken Apr 6, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 6, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650436)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17143040-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb, Vine