Brittle maidenhair (Adiantum tenerum, Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 135 (1788))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 135 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Adiantum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Brittle Maidenhair, scientifically recognized as Adiantum tenerum, is a delicate and enchanting fern that belongs to the diverse Pteridaceae family. This graceful plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it thrives in the humid, shaded understories of forests and valleys.

First described in 1788 by the botanist Sw. in the Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ, Adiantum tenerum has since captivated botanists and horticulturists with its characteristic fragile, fan-shaped fronds. These feathery, light green fronds grow in a cascading manner, often creating an ethereal, lace-like appearance that adds an elegant touch to any collection of greenery.

The Brittle Maidenhair’s ability to adapt to various light conditions makes it a popular choice for both garden landscapes and indoor plant arrangements. While it prefers a humid environment and indirect sunlight, it can tolerate a range of light conditions, provided it is kept moist but well-drained. This adaptability, along with its unique aesthetic appeal, makes it a favored selection among plant enthusiasts looking to cultivate a tranquil, natural ambiance.

In its native habitat, Adiantum tenerum plays a role in the ecosystem by contributing to the forest undergrowth and supporting a variety of microhabitats. Its widespread presence across tropical and subtropical America underscores its importance in regional biodiversity.

Overall, Adiantum tenerum is not just a visual delight but also a resilient and adaptive plant, suitable for various cultivation settings. With proper care, the Brittle Maidenhair can thrive and continue to bring a piece of its native, lush environment into homes and gardens around the world.

Common Names

Eng: fan maidenhair, brittle maidenhair, maiden hair
Swe: finadiantum
En: Brittle maidenhair, Fan maidenhair, Maiden Hair
Ar: برشاوشان دقيق
Fi: Huntuadiantumi
Pl: Niekropień delikatny
Sv: Finadiantum
Zh-tw: 脆鐵線蕨

Synonyms

• Adiantum tenerum var. minus (Kunze)
• Adiantum tenerum var. obtusissimum (Christ)
• Adiantum tenerum var. rotundatum (T.Moore)
• Adiantum extensum (Fée)
• Adiantum farleyense (T.Moore)
• Adiantum trapezoides (Fée)
• Adiantum trapeziforme var. trapezoides ((Fée) Baker)
• Adiantum littorale (Jenman)
• Adiantum ghiesbreghtii (Backh.)
• Adiantum fergusonii (T.Moore)
• Adiantum multiforme (A.Br.)
• Adiantum tenerum var. farleyense ((T.Moore) André)
• Adiantum tenerum var. littorale ((Jenman) Domin)
• Adiantum tenerum var. majus (T.Moore)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651834)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17013290-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum tenerum Sw.)

Specifications

Growth