Asian sword fern (Nephrolepis brownii, Blumea 50(2): 293 (2005))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (Desv.) Hovenkamp & Miyam.

Bibliography: Blumea 50(2): 293 (2005)

Year: 2005

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nephrolepis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific

Description

The Asian sword fern, known scientifically as Nephrolepis brownii, is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. This robust fern has garnered significant interest within botanical circles due to its extensive distribution and adaptive qualities. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia extending across the Pacific, Nephrolepis brownii thrives in a variety of moist, shaded environments.

Botanists Hovenkamp and Miyam., have contributed substantial research on this species, which has been documented in the 2005 publication of Blumea, a well-regarded botanical journal. This fern’s resilience and capability to adapt to different climates make it a vital species for studies related to plant ecology and environmental adaptations.

Characterized by its elegant, arching fronds, the Asian sword fern adds lush greenery to its surroundings. It is often utilized in both interior and exterior landscaping, valued for its aesthetic appeal as well as its low maintenance requirements. Its fronds, which can grow quite long, resemble the shape of a sword—hence the common name—and provide a cascading effect that is particularly visually pleasing.

Beyond its ornamental use, Nephrolepis brownii plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. It contributes to the forest undergrowth, offering habitat and protection for various small animals and insects. Its presence in the ground cover helps in the prevention of soil erosion, promoting soil stability in forested regions.

Overall, the Asian sword fern is a resilient and versatile plant that continues to be a subject of botanical interest and is appreciated worldwide for both its ecological importance and ornamental beauty.

Common Names

Eng: asian swordfern, asian sword fern
En: Asian sword fern, Asian swordfern

Synonyms

• Nephrodium regulare (Desv.)
• Nephrolepis multiflora ((Roxb.) F.M.Jarrett ex C.V.Morton)
• Aspidium amoa (Hook.)
• Nephrolepis floccigera ((Blume) T.Moore)
• Nephrolepis tomentosa (Alderw.)
• Davallia multiflora (Roxb.)
• Nephrolepis mayi (May)
• Aspidium floccigerum (Blume)
• Nephrolepis acutangula (C.Presl)
• Aspidium schkuhrii (Blume)
• Nephrolepis westonii (Craig)
• Nephrolepis pubescens (Copel.)
• Nephrodium brownii (Desv.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Cook Is. (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Kermadec Is. (native)
• Laccadive Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Pitcairn Is. (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Tuamotu (native)
• Tubuai Is. (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 2, 2010 by MUH. IDRIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Jessa Mae Panaguiton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2010 by MUH. IDRIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Tashi Tshering (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (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/4196780)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77069554-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nephrolepis brownii (Desv.) Hovenkamp & Miyam.)

Specifications

Growth