Chinese brake (Pteris multifida, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 5: 714 (1804))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: Poir.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 5: 714 (1804)

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pteris

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: China to Temp. E. Asia and Vietnam

Description

The Chinese brake, scientifically known as Pteris multifida, is a distinctive member of the Pteridaceae family. This intriguing fern was first meticulously chronicled by the renowned botanist J.B.A.M. de Lamarck in the fifth volume of his encyclopedic work in 1804, with contributions from the esteemed author Poir.

Native to the diversified terrains of China, extending its reach to temperate regions of East Asia and Vietnam, the Chinese brake exhibits a unique adaptability to various climatic conditions. Its presence across these areas highlights its resilience and ability to thrive in both the cooler temperate zones and the warmer, more humid environments of Vietnam.

Pteris multifida is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal, characterized by its finely divided fronds that impart a delicate, feathery appearance. This feature makes it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens and as a houseplant, providing a touch of greenery that complements a wide range of decorative styles.

The Chinese brake fern’s ecological and horticultural significance extends beyond its beauty. In native settings, it often plays a role in soil stabilization and provides habitat for various organisms, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts appreciate its relatively low maintenance requirements and its ability to enhance garden biodiversity.

In conclusion, the Chinese brake fern, Pteris multifida, is not only a testament to botanical beauty but also an essential part of the flora in its native habitats. Its widespread range from China to Vietnam underscores its versatility and importance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: chinese brake, spider brake, spider fern
Deu: feingesägter saumfarn, vielspaltiger saumfarn
Spa: helecho arana
Swe: kinesbräken
Nld: spinvaren
En: Chinese brake, Spider brake, Spider fern
Nl: Spinvaren
De: Feingesägter Saumfarn, Vielspaltiger Saumfarn
Es: Helecho arana
Sv: Kinesbräken

Synonyms

• Pycnodoria multifida ((Poir.) Small)
• Pteris serrulata angusta (B.S.Williams ex J.Dix)
• Pteris multifida f. serrulata (R.H.Miao)
• Pteris serrulata var. variegata (Regel)
• Pteris serrulata ((R.H.Miao) Y.H.Yan)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Turkey-in-Europe (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275415)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17214630-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pteris multifida Poir.)

Specifications

Growth