Drooping forkedfern (Dicranopteris flexuosa, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 34: 254 (1907))

Family: Gleicheniaceae

Author: (Schrad.) Underw.

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 34: 254 (1907)

Year: 1907

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dicranopteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Drooping Forkedfern, scientifically known as Dicranopteris flexuosa, is an intriguing member of the Gleicheniaceae family. This species was first formally described in a publication by Underwood in the early 1900s, specifically in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 34: 254, in 1907.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, the Drooping Forkedfern thrives in a variety of environmental conditions. Its prevalence across these diverse habitats speaks to its remarkable adaptability and resilience. The fern’s distinctive drooping habit and forked fronds make it easily recognizable and a subject of interest among botanists and plant enthusiasts.

Dicranopteris flexuosa exhibits the typical characteristics of the Gleicheniaceae family, which are known for their intricate frond architecture and unique reproductive structures. The plant’s extended, forked fronds allow it to spread widely, often forming dense, expansive mats that can cover large areas of ground in its native range. These fronds play a crucial role in the plant’s ability to capture light efficiently and reproduce successfully in competitive forest environments.

This fern’s ecological significance cannot be overstated. It provides important ground cover in forest ecosystems, helping to prevent soil erosion and contributing to the overall health of the habitat. Furthermore, its presence supports a diverse array of other organisms, creating a microhabitat for various insects and small animals.

Understanding the role and characteristics of the Drooping Forkedfern enhances our appreciation of the biodiversity within tropical and subtropical American ecosystems. As we continue to study this and other ferns, we gain deeper insights into the complex interplay of flora and fauna that sustain these rich and vital environments.

Common Names

Eng: drooping forkedfern, forked fern, net fern
En: Drooping forkedfern, Drooping Forked Fern, Forked fern, Net fern

Synonyms

• Mertensia rigida (Kunze)
• Gleichenia rigida ((Kunze) J.Bommer & Christ)
• Dicranopteris scalpturata ((Fée) Nakai)
• Gleichenia flexuosa f. monstrosa (Hieron.)
• Dicranopteris pumila ((Kunth) Nakai)
• Dicranopteris rigida ((Kunze) Nakai)
• Mertensia scalpturata (Fée)
• Mertensia flexuosa (Schrad.)
• Gleichenia flexuosa ((Schrad.) Mett.)
• Gleichenia flexuosa f. zuccarinii (Rosenst.)
• Dicranopteris flexuosa f. monstrosa ((Hieron.) Nakai)
• Mertensia pumila (Mart.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (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)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (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/5275374)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:79839-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dicranopteris flexuosa (Schrad.) Underw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth