Family: Saccolomataceae
Author: (Kunze) Mett.
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 4, 15: 80 (1861)
Year: 1861
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saccoloma
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Forest soralpouch fern, scientifically known as Saccoloma inaequale, is a resilient and intriguing species within the Saccolomataceae family. This fern was first described in 1861 under the nomenclature provided by (Kunze) Mett. in the scientific publication “Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique,” series 4, volume 15, page 80. Renowned for its adaptation and proliferation in varying tropical climates, the Forest soralpouch fern is predominantly found from Mexico through to Tropical America.
Characterized by its unique morphology, the Forest soralpouch fern exhibits an intricate pattern of fronds that form dense, lush foliage. These ferns thrive in humid, shaded environments typical of tropical forests, where they contribute significantly to the understory biodiversity. The fern’s versatility allows it to adapt to a range of soil types, though it shows a preference for rich, well-draining substrates that are consistently moist.
Ecologically, Saccoloma inaequale plays a crucial role in its native habitat. It not only provides ground cover, reducing soil erosion and retaining moisture, but also offers a microhabitat for numerous invertebrates and microorganisms. This interdependency underscores the fern’s importance in maintaining the ecological balance within tropical ecosystems.
Conservationists and botanists recognize the Forest soralpouch fern for its potential medicinal and ecological benefits. Its robust nature makes it a valuable subject for further investigation into its potential uses and contributions to forest ecology. Moreover, the resilience of this fern may offer insights into plant survival strategies under changing climate conditions, making it an essential focus for ongoing research in botany and environmental science.
In summary, the Forest soralpouch fern (Saccoloma inaequale) stands as a vital component of tropical biodiversity, reinforcing the intricate web of life that sustains these rich and vibrant ecosystems. Its discovery and continued study reflect not only a fascination with the diversity of plant life but also a commitment to preserving the delicate balance of our natural world.
Common Names
Eng: forest soralpouch fern
En: Forest soralpouch fern
Synonyms
- Microlepia alata (J.Sm.)
- Orthiopteris inaequalis ((Kunze) Copel.)
- Microlepia caudata (Fée)
- Saccoloma alatum (Mett.)
- Davallia inaequalis (Kunze)
- Davallia inaequalis var. major (Hook.)
- Microlepia boryana (Fourn.)
- Ithycaulon inaequale ((Kunze) Copel.)
- Ithycaulon guentheri (C.Chr.)
- Davallia lherminieri (Kunze)
- Microlepia inaequalis ((Kunze) C.Presl)
- Microlepia lherminieri (T.Moore)
- Saccoloma inaequale var. dimorphum (Christ)
- Saccoloma inaequale var. costaricense (Rosenst.)
- Saccoloma lherminieri (R.Knuth)
- Saccoloma guentheri (Rosenst.)
- Microlepia arcuata (Fourn.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Galápagos (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)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (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/2650792)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30012294-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saccoloma inaequale (Kunze) Mett.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
