Annual swordfern (Nephrolepis undulata, Bot. Mag. 72(Companion): 35 (1846))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: J.Sm.

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 72(Companion): 35 (1846)

Year: 1846

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nephrolepis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Tropics & Subtropics

Description

The Annual Swordfern, scientifically named Nephrolepis undulata, is a captivating species belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. First described in 1846 by the botanist J. Smith in the Botanical Magazine, the Annual Swordfern has been recognized for its versatility and resilience in various climatic conditions.

Thriving predominantly in the tropics and subtropics, Nephrolepis undulata showcases its adaptability to warm and humid environments. This fern is noted for its elegant, sword-shaped fronds that delicately undulate and create captivating patterns, contributing to its aesthetic appeal in both natural settings and cultivated gardens.

The Annual Swordfern not only adds visual richness to its habitat but also plays an essential role in the local ecosystem, providing cover and microhabitats for various small organisms. Its presence in diverse tropical and subtropical regions highlights its ecological importance and its ability to flourish in lush, verdant areas.

For enthusiasts and botanists alike, the Annual Swordfern offers a unique combination of beauty and ecological value, making it a plant of interest for study and cultivation. Its enduring charm and resilience continue to capture the attention of those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: annual swordfern
Lub: bidi, lusisinte, tusilombizi
Kin: intshukushu, irakashiha, ndjugushu, umunishoshgwe, umusange, uruyugushu
Run: isoswe
En: Annual swordfern
Rw: Intshukushu, Irakashiha, Ndjugushu, Umunishoshgwe, Umusange, Uruyugushu
Rn: Isoswe
Lu: Bidi, Lusisinte, Tusilombizi

Synonyms

• Nephrolepis undulata var. delicatula ((Decne.) Verdc.)
• Aspidium tavoyanum (Wall.)
• Nephrolepis cordifolia var. occidentalis ((Kunze) Kuhn)
• Aspidium undulatum (Afzel. ex Sw.)
• Nephrolepis occidentalis (Kunze)
• Nephrolepis pectinata var. occidentalis ((Kunze) Urb.)
• Nephrolepis filipes (Christ)
• Nephrolepis delicatula ((Decne.) Pic.Serm.)
• Nephrolepis cordifolia var. compacta (Bonap.)
• Nephrodium delicatulum (Decne.)
• Nephrolepis tuberosa var. delicatula ((Decne.) Hook.)
• Nephrolepis cordifolia var. undulata ((Afzel. ex Sw.) C.Chr.)
• Nephrolepis tuberosa var. undulata ((Afzel. ex Sw.) Mett.)
• Nephrolepis paucifrondosa (J.F.R.Almeida)
• Nephrolepis pluma (T.Moore)
• Nephrolepis glabra (Copel.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 14, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 14, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2014 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.

© 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/2650934)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17161310-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nephrolepis undulata (Afzel. ex Sw.) J. Sm.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth