Alpine woodfern (Dryopteris wallichiana, Bot. Not. 1953: 352 (1953))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (Spreng.) Hyl.

Bibliography: Bot. Not. 1953: 352 (1953)

Year: 1953

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dryopteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Türkiye to Trop. & Subtrop. Asia, Hawaiian Is., Gough I.

Description

The Alpine woodfern, scientifically classified as Dryopteris wallichiana, is a notable fern belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. It was first documented in 1953 in the botanical notes provided by Hyl. under the authority of Spreng., reflecting its well-established historical and botanical significance.

Dryopteris wallichiana is a versatile species thriving across various tropical and subtropical regions globally. Its presence spans the tropical and subtropical zones of the Americas, extending from Türkiye across to the extensive landscapes of Tropical and Subtropical Asia. The fern has also been observed in more isolated locations such as the Hawaiian Islands and Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, highlighting its adaptability to different climatic conditions.

The distinctive adaptability of the Alpine woodfern allows it to flourish in diverse environments, from relatively temperate zones to more specific conditions provided by tropical and subtropical climates. This adaptability also underscores the fern’s ecological importance and its resilience in various habitats.

In cultivation and study, Dryopteris wallichiana is valued for its lush fronds and robust growth, making it a popular choice both for botanical gardens and natural landscaping. The fern’s history and widespread natural occurrence provide a rich area for further botanical research and conservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: alpine woodfern
Swe: svansbräken
En: Alpine woodfern
Sv: Svansbräken

Synonyms

• Aspidium wallichianum (Spreng.)
• Dryopteris mediterranea (Fomin)
• Nephrodium filix-mas subsp. paleaceum ((T.Moore) Brause & Andres)
• Polystichum filix-mas var. paleaceum ((T.Moore) P.Fourn.)
• Aspidium donianum (Spreng.)
• Aspidium filix-mas var. paleaceum ((T.Moore) Mett.)
• Nephrodium filix-mas f. paleaceum ((T.Moore) Fiori)
• Aspidium filix-mas f. paleaceum ((T.Moore) Asch.)
• Nephrodium filix-mas var. paleaceum ((T.Moore) Hook.)
• Dryopteris doniana (Ching)
• Lastrea filix-mas var. paleacea (T.Moore)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Honduras (native)
• India (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Tristan da Cunha (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by condes de leon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Emmanuel Neri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2015 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 18, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 18, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

© 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/5275137)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17392950-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dryopteris wallichiana (Spreng.) Hyl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth