Asian netvein hollyfern (Cyrtomium fortunei, Ferns Brit. For.: 286 (1866))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: J.Sm.

Bibliography: Ferns Brit. For.: 286 (1866)

Year: 1866

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cyrtomium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Himalaya to Korea and Indo-China, Japan, Taiwan

Description

The Asian netvein hollyfern, scientifically named Cyrtomium fortunei, is a distinctive and fascinating species of fern that has piqued the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This fern was first described in notable detail in the acclaimed literature “Ferns Brit. For.” by J. Smith in 1866, marking its place in botanical history.

This resilient fern finds its natural habitat across a significant geographical range, encompassing the Eastern Himalayas, Korea, Indo-China, Japan, and Taiwan. Its adaptability to various climates and terrains is a testament to its hardiness and versatility, making it a prevalent component of the fern flora in these regions.

Belonging to the Polypodiaceae family, the Asian netvein hollyfern is characterized by its intricate and elegant fronds. The foliage presents a robust and glossy appearance, often resembling the leaves of holly, which contributes to its common name. The fronds’ net-veined pattern is both a defining and striking feature, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

This fern plays an integral role in its native ecosystems, contributing to the rich biodiversity and supporting various forms of wildlife. Furthermore, its resilience and ornate beauty have also made it a cherished specimen among horticulturists and plant collectors around the world.

Through meticulous studies and observations, it has been documented that Cyrtomium fortunei thrives in shaded, moist environments, often found on forest floors or rocky outcrops where it can access the necessary humidity and shelter. These particular environmental preferences are crucial for its growth and propagation.

In summary, Cyrtomium fortunei, or the Asian netvein hollyfern, is more than just a botanical curiosity; it is a vital part of its native habitat and a beloved plant in cultivation. Its historical documentation by J. Smith in the mid-19th century and its broad distribution in Asia speak volumes about its ecological and ornamental significance.

Common Names

Eng: asian netvein hollyfern, fortune’s net-veined hollyfern
Fra: cyrtomium de fortune, cyrtomium en faux
Ita: cyrtomium di fortune
Dan: frilandsmahoniebregne, mahoniebregne
Deu: ostasiatischer ilexfarn
Nld: smalle ijzervaren
En: Asian netvein hollyfern, Fortune’s Net-veined Hollyfern
Zh: 贯众
Da: Frilandsmahoniebregne, Mahoniebregne
Nl: Smalle ijzervaren
Fr: Cyrtomium de Fortune, Cyrtomium en faux
De: Ostasiatischer Ilexfarn
It: Felce falcata, Cyrtomium di Fortune
Zh-tw: 貫眾蕨
Zh-hant: 貫眾

Synonyms

• Cyrtomium shandongense (J.X.Li)
• Polystichum falcatum f. polypterum (Diels)
• Cyrtomium reflexosquamatum (J.X.Li & F.Q.Zhou)
• Cyrtomium confertiserratum (J.X.Li, H.S.Kung & Xiao J.Li)
• Phanerophlebia fortunei ((J.Sm.) Copel.)
• Aspidium falcatum var. fortunei ((J.Sm.) Nichols ex Makino)
• Cyrtomium recurvum (Ching & Shing)
• Polystichum falcatum var. fortunei ((J.Sm.) Matsum.)
• Polystichum fortunei ((J.Sm.) Nakai)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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 24, 2015 by EOL − harum.koh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2014 by EOL − harum.koh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Sara Wille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Moon Shadow (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Bonk Agata (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Annette B. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Salomon NOHRA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Flower

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650827)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17075980-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cyrtomium fortunei J. Sm.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth