Broad halberd fern (Tectaria heracleifolia, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 33: 200 (1906))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: Underw.

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 33: 200 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tectaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Florida to Caribbean, S. Texas to Guianas and Ecuador

Description

Broad halberd fern, scientifically known as Tectaria heracleifolia, is a notable species within the Polypodiaceae family. This fern is distinguished by its broad, halberd-shaped fronds, which have contributed to its common name.

Tectaria heracleifolia was first described in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1906 by the esteemed botanist Underw. Its natural range is extensive and diverse, spanning from the warm regions of Florida through the Caribbean, into the southern parts of Texas, and further extending down to the Guianas and Ecuador in South America.

The broad halberd fern thrives in humid, tropical environments where it can often be found in shaded, forested areas. Its adaptability to various climates within its geographical range makes it a resilient species. This fern plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, providing ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion and offering habitat for various small organisms.

Botanically, Tectaria heracleifolia is appreciated for its aesthetically pleasing and structurally unique fronds, which make it a popular choice for both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens looking to add a touch of tropical greenery. Its lush foliage can contribute significantly to creating a verdant and tranquil environment.

Overall, the broad halberd fern is a species of both ecological and ornamental importance, celebrated for its distinctive appearance and widespread presence across a range of tropical locales.

Common Names

Eng: broad halberd fern
En: Broad halberd fern

Synonyms

• Drynaria cordifolia (Fée)
• Aspidium trifoliatum var. heracleifolium (Clute)
• Tectaria trifoliata var. heracleifolia (Farw.)
• Bathmium trifoliatum var. heracleifolium ((Willd.) E.Fourn.)
• Bathmium heracleifolium (Fée)
• Polypodium cordifolium (M.Martens & Galeotti)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (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)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2020 by Maulana Syarif (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2020 by Maulana Syarif (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Heri Rahmat (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 18, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 3, 2016 by EOL − pedro (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 7, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (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/5275164)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:249899-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tectaria heracleifolia (Willd.) Underw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth