Family: Polypodiaceae
Author: (G.Forst.) Tindale
Bibliography: Contr. New South Wales Natl. Herb. 3: 89 (1961)
Year: 1961
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Arachniodes
Vegetable: False
Observations: Solomon Is. to Pacific
Description
The East Indian Hollyfern, scientifically named Arachniodes aristata, is a fascinating fern species belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. Characterized by its intricately divided fronds, this fern adds a touch of elegance to its natural habitat.
The botanical journey of Arachniodes aristata is quite rich, with its formal description being documented in ‘Contr. New South Wales Natl. Herb.’ in 1961, through the meticulous work of botanist Tindale, following its initial classification by G. Forst.
Native to the diverse environments spanning the Solomon Islands and extending across the vast Pacific region, the East Indian Hollyfern thrives in these locales’ tropical climates. Its adaptation to these specific ecological niches not only highlights its resilience but also underscores its ecological importance within these regions.
In addition to its striking appearance, the East Indian Hollyfern plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It forms part of the undergrowth in forests, contributing to the rich biodiversity of its environment and providing habitat and micro-climate for various other plant and animal species.
Given its appealing structure and environmental significance, the East Indian Hollyfern is a subject of interest not just for botanists studying fern varieties but also for conservationists who are keen on preserving the intricate and vital ecosystems of the Pacific islands.
Common Names
En: East Indian hollyfern
Zh: 刺头复叶耳蕨, 細葉複葉耳蕨
Ko: 가는쇠고사리
Zh-tw: 細葉複葉耳蕨
Synonyms
- Arachniodes aspidioides (Blume)
- Polystichum aristatum ((G.Forst.) C.Presl)
- Polystichum pulchellum (T.Moore)
- Aspidium platypus (Kunze)
- Aspidium subelongatum (Blume)
- Arachniodes maoshanensis (Ching)
- Polystichum platypus (Diels)
- Aspidium hamiltonianum (Wall.)
- Aspidium aristatum ((G.Forst.) Sw.)
- Arachniodes fengyangshanensis (Cheng & C.F.Zhang ex Y.T.Hsieh)
- Polystichum lobatum var. aristatum ((G.Forst.) C.Chr.)
- Arachniodes lushanensis (Ching)
- Polystichopsis aristata ((G.Forst.) Holttum)
- Nephrodium platypus (Hook.)
- Rumohra aristata ((G.Forst.) Ching)
- Dryopteris platypus (Kuntze)
- Dryopteris michelii (H.Lév.)
- Byrsopteris aristata ((G.Forst.) Morton)
- Aspidium appendiculatum (Blume)
- Arachniodes michelii ((H.Lév.) Ching ex Y.T.Hsieh)
- Lastrea platypus (T.Moore)
- Aspidium pulchellum (Blume)
Distribution
- Caroline Is. (native)
- Cook Is. (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Kermadec Is. (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Marquesas (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- Pitcairn Is. (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Tubuai Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 9, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by 67terzi (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/4040718)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17427420-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arachniodes aristata (G. Forst.) Tindale)