Angle-vein fern (Serpocaulon triseriale, Smith AR, Kreier H-P, Haufler CH, Ranker TA, Schneider H (2006) Serpocaulon (Polypodiaceae), a New Genus Segregated from Polypodium. Taxon 55(4): 919-930. doi: 10.2307/25065686.)

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: A.R.Sm. (Sw.)

Bibliography: Smith AR, Kreier H-P, Haufler CH, Ranker TA, Schneider H (2006) Serpocaulon (Polypodiaceae), a New Genus Segregated from Polypodium. Taxon 55(4): 919-930. doi: 10.2307/25065686.

Year: 2006

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Serpocaulon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Angle-vein Fern (Serpocaulon triseriale)

The Angle-vein fern, scientifically known as Serpocaulon triseriale, is a fascinating species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This delicate fern belongs to the large and diverse Polypodiaceae family.

Serpocaulon triseriale was reclassified into its current genus based on a comprehensive study by Smith et al. (2006), who recognized significant morphological and genetic distinctions from the previously broader Polypodium genus. This reclassification reflects ongoing efforts to refine botanical nomenclature and better understand evolutionary relationships within fern species.

The Angle-vein fern is characterized by its intricate, veiny fronds, which contribute not only to its common name but also to its aesthetic appeal. These fronds exhibit a unique angular pattern, in contrast to the more rounded or elongated forms seen in other ferns, making it a distinctive member of the Polypodiaceae family. Its delicate structure and visually striking veins attract not only botanists and horticulturists but also fern enthusiasts who seek to cultivate it in suitable environments that mimic its natural habitat.

In the wild, Serpocaulon triseriale thrives across a range of altitudes in tropical and subtropical regions, from lowland forests to mountainous areas. These ferns are resilient, flourishing in humid conditions with ample shade and moderate sunlight.

A thorough understanding of the Angle-vein fern enhances our appreciation for the biodiversity found in tropical and subtropical climates. It also underscores the importance of continued botanical research, as exemplified by the meticulous work of Smith and his colleagues, who significantly contributed to our current knowledge by distinguishing Serpocaulon as a new genus.

Common Names

Eng: angle-vein fern
En: Angle-vein Fern
: Anglevein fern

Synonyms

• Polypodium palmatum (Vell.)
• Polypodium gladiatum (Kunze)
• Polypodium acuminatum (Sodiro)
• Polypodium albopunctatum (Raddi)
• Polypodium brasiliense var. subcordatum (Christ ex Duss)
• Polypodium brasiliense var. neriifolium ((Schkuhr) Baker)
• Goniophlebium gladiatum (Fée)
• Polypodium brasiliense var. pleiosorum (Rosenst. ex Hassl.)
• Polypodium brasiliense var. gladiatum (Kuhn)
• Goniophlebium ampliatum (Maxon)
• Goniophlebium brasiliense (Farw.)
• Marginaria neriifolia (C.Presl)
• Polypodium preslianum (Spreng.)
• Polypodium haenkei (Liebm.)
• Polypodium neriifolium (Schkuhr)
• Goniophlebium elatius (T.Moore)
• Polypodium brasiliense (Poir.)
• Polypodium gauthieri ((Fée) C.Chr.)
• Goniophlebium haenkei (C.Presl)
• Polypodium subalatum (Klotzsch)
• Goniophlebium neriifolium (Hook.)
• Goniophlebium albopunctatum (J.Sm.)
• Polypodium campylopodum (Klotzsch)
• Polypodium nerifolium var. heterophyllum (Kuntze)
• Polypodium nerifolium var. acuminatissimum (Kuntze)
• Polypodium variolatum (Willd.)
• Polypodium lucens (Schrad.)
• Goniophlebium triseriale ((Sw.) Pic.Serm.)
• Polypodium ampliatum ((Maxon) Proctor)
• Polypodium pycnosorum (Link)
• Polypodium triseriale (Sw.)
• Polypodium triseriale var. gladiatum ((Kuhn) Proctor)
• Goniophlebium brasiliense var. preslianum (Farw.)
• Polypodium preslianum var. immersum (Rosenst.)
• Marginaria gladiata (C.Presl)
• Marginaria rhoifolia (C.Presl)
• Goniophlebium intermedium (Fée)
• Polypodium xiphophoron (Kunze ex Mett.)
• Polypodium menisciifolium var. albopunctatum (Hieron.)
• Goniophlebium xiphophorum (Fée)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Santos Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Oses Andrei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Oses Andrei (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.

Fruit

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4023792)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77075127-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Serpocaulon triseriale (Sw.) A.R. Sm.)

Specifications

Growth