Family: Pteridaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 43 (1783)
Year: 1783
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Adiantum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Broadleaf maidenhair, scientifically known as Adiantum latifolium, is a striking and elegant fern that belongs to the family Pteridaceae. First described in 1783 by the renowned botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, this delicate yet resilient plant has been captivating botanists and gardeners alike with its unique beauty for centuries.
The Broadleaf maidenhair is native to a wide range of geographical locations, spanning from Southern Mexico down through to the tropical regions of America. This broad distribution attests to the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various environmental conditions. Found most often in humid, shaded habitats such as forest understories and stream banks, Adiantum latifolium thrives in the consistent moisture and dappled sunlight these ecosystems provide.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Broadleaf maidenhair is its delicate fronds, which exhibit a unique, fan-like arrangement. The frond blades are broad and relatively larger compared to other members of the Adiantum genus, giving rise to its common name. Their light, almost ethereal appearance is complemented by slender, black to dark brown stems, creating a striking contrast that is visually appealing.
These plants play a crucial ecological role in their native habitats. They contribute to the maintenance of humidity and soil stability in their environments, prevent erosion, and offer an aesthetic balance to the dense rainforest undergrowth. As with many ferns, they reproduce through spores rather than seeds, often spreading across the forest floor and enhancing the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
In horticultural settings, Broadleaf maidenhair ferns are prized for their ornamental value. Gardeners admire them for their lush, fine-textured foliage that adds a touch of elegance to shaded garden corners, indoor terrariums, and greenhouse collections. However, their preference for high humidity and indirect light means they require a bit more care and attention than some other fern species.
To cultivate Adiantum latifolium successfully, one should mimic its natural environment as closely as possible. This includes ensuring ample moisture without waterlogging, providing indirect light, and maintaining high humidity levels. Regular misting or placement near a humidifier can help meet the plant’s humidity needs, particularly in drier indoor climates.
In summary, the Broadleaf maidenhair, Adiantum latifolium, is a botanical marvel with its wide geographical spread from Southern Mexico to Tropical America. Its delicate, broad fronds and elegant appearance make it a cherished plant both in its natural habitat and in horticultural circles. With proper care, it can be a beautiful and enduring addition to any plant collection or garden.
Common Names
Eng: broadleaf maidenhair
En: Broadleaf maidenhair, Broad-Leaf Maidenhair
Synonyms
- Adiantum triangulatum (Kaulf.)
- Adiantum triangulatum var. acuminatum (Jenman)
- Adiantum fovearum (Raddi)
- Adiantum glaziovii (Baker)
- Adiantum lucidum var. bipinnatum (Mett. ex E.Fourn.)
- Adiantum denticulatum var. obtusum (Mett. ex Kuhn)
- Adiantum fovearum var. reductum (Jenman)
- Adiantum denticulatum var. humile (Kuhn)
- Adiantum elatum (Desv.)
- Adiantum latifolium var. grisebachianum (Domin)
- Adiantum intermedium var. triangulatum ((Kaulf.) T.Moore)
- Adiantum fovearum var. majus (Rosenst.)
- Adiantum intermedium var. medioximum (Christ)
- Adiantum sordidum (Lindm.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Central American Pac (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Nicobar Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Al Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2019 by Fernández Junior (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Blue Bottle (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.
Other
Taken Oct 26, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Valverde (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651837)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271633-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum latifolium Lam.)