Categories: Aspleniaceae

Auriculate lady fern (Athyrium otophorum, Fl. Symb. Orient.-Asiat.: 40 (1930))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Miq.) Koidz.

Bibliography: Fl. Symb. Orient.-Asiat.: 40 (1930)

Year: 1930

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Athyrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. Himalaya, Assam to Temp. E. Asia

Description

The Auriculate Lady Fern, scientifically known as Athyrium otophorum, is a fascinating member of the Aspleniaceae family. This particular species was first documented in 1930 in the work “Flora Symbolica Orientalis-Asiatica,” attributed to Koidz.

The Auriculate Lady Fern thrives across a vast geographical range that includes the Western and Central Himalayas and stretches from Assam to the temperate regions of Eastern Asia. This diverse habitat preference highlights its adaptability to varying climatic conditions.

Botanically, Athyrium otophorum is celebrated for its distinct features, often exemplified by the unique auricles—ear-like projections at the base of its fronds—which give it the “auriculate” descriptor in its common name. Like many ferns, it displays a compound leaf structure, which gracefully unfurls to create a delicate, feather-like appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and biologically advantageous for maximum light capture in its understorey environments.

The family Aspleniaceae, to which Athyrium otophorum belongs, is renowned for its vast diversity, characterized by ferns that possess sori (clusters of sporangia) arranged in distinct linear patterns, traits that can also be found in the Auriculate Lady Fern.

Overall, the Auriculate Lady Fern is not only significant within its native ecological niches but also treasured among fern enthusiasts and horticulturists for its unique morphology and adaptability.

Common Names

Eng: auriculate lady fern, eared lady fern
En: Auriculate lady fern, Eared lady fern
Zh: 倉田氏蹄蓋蕨, 倉田蹄蓋蕨, 光蹄盖蕨, 光蹄蓋蕨
Zh-tw: 倉田氏蹄蓋蕨

Synonyms

Asplenium otophorum (Miq.)
Diplazium otophorum ((Miq.) C.Chr.)