Antarctic hard fern (Blechnum penna-marina, Filic. Afr.: 92 (1868))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Maxon & C.V.Morton) Kuhn

Bibliography: Filic. Afr.: 92 (1868)

Year: 1868

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Blechnum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Peru to Brazil and S. South America, Subantarctic Is.

Description

The Antarctic hard fern, scientifically known as Blechnum penna-marina, is a species that thrives in the cooler regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Described in the work “Filic. Afr.” in 1868 by the botanists Maxon and C.V. Morton, and later reclassified by Kuhn, this fern showcases a remarkable adaptability to diverse geographic locales, making it a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Originating from the family Aspleniaceae, the Antarctic hard fern can be found stretching from Peru down to Brazil and across Southern South America. Its resilience is further highlighted by its presence on the Subantarctic Islands, showcasing its ability to endure the harsh and variable conditions found in these regions.

The fern is noted for its distinctive, glossy, pinnate fronds, which have earned it the moniker “hard fern”. This characteristic texture is not only a testament to its durability but also a key feature that helps it withstand the cold, misty environments it often inhabits. The pinnate fronds, with their linear-oblong leaflets, create a lush, ground-covering mat that adds to the biodiversity of its ecosystems.

In horticulture, Blechnum penna-marina is appreciated for its ornamental appeal and its ground-covering ability in shaded garden areas. Gardeners value it for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for creating naturalized garden spaces that mimic its native habitats.

Its ecological significance is profound as well; the fern plays a crucial role in its native habitats, contributing to soil stability and offering a habitat for various small organisms. In environments prone to erosion, it acts as a natural barrier, reinforcing the soil and aiding in the health and balance of its ecosystem.

Thus, the Antarctic hard fern, Blechnum penna-marina, stands as a testament to nature’s ingeniously adaptive strategies, thriving in some of the world’s most challenging climates while offering both ecological benefits and aesthetic value.

Common Names

En: Antarctic hard fern, Alpine water fern, Antarctic Hard-fern
Da: Krybende kambregne
Fr: Blechne de la terre de feu
De: Seefeder
Es: Pinque
Sv: Dvärgbräken

Synonyms

• Struthiopteris penna-marina ((Poir.) Maxon & C.V.Morton)
• Polypodium penna-marina (Poir.)
• Austroblechnum penna-marina ((Poir.) Gasper & V.A.O.Dittrich)

Distribution

• Amsterdam-St.Paul Is (native)
• Antipodean Is. (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Chatham Is. (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Crozet Is. (native)
• Falkland Is. (native)
• Kerguelen (native)
• Macquarie Is. (native)
• Marion-Prince Edward (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Peru (native)
• South Georgia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Tristan da Cunha (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by robertoPablo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2016 by MUH. IDRIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Plant_Anne (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Carla Ortega (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 Jan 3, 2014 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 3, 2014 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 20, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

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

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

Other

Taken Jan 3, 2014 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17059990-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blechnum penna-marina (Poir.) Kuhn)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7296768)

Specifications

Growth