Family: Pteridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1096 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Adiantum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Glossy maidenhair, scientifically known as Adiantum pulverulentum, is a delicate and captivating fern highly sought after by plant enthusiasts and botanists alike. First described in the renowned “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, this fern has a storied history within the plant kingdom.
Belonging to the family Pteridaceae, the Glossy maidenhair is admired for its intricate and elegant fronds. These fronds are thin, almost hair-like, and possess a striking dark, lustrous appearance, which contributes to its common name. Their delicate structure makes them a favorite for adding a touch of finesse to shaded gardens and indoor plant collections.
The geographical range of Adiantum pulverulentum extends from Mexico down through Central America and into the tropical regions of South America. This wide distribution indicates a high adaptability to tropical climates and a preference for humid, shaded environments where it thrives under the canopy of larger trees.
This fern is not only appreciated for its aesthetic charm but also for its ease of cultivation in appropriate environments. It prefers a well-drained, consistently moist substrate and benefits from high humidity levels, which mimic its natural habitat. Given these conditions, the Glossy maidenhair can flourish and bring a touch of tropical beauty to any plant collection.
Botanists and plant lovers continue to study and admire Adiantum pulverulentum for its unique beauty and resilience. As part of the Pteridaceae family, it contributes to the rich diversity of ferns that populate tropical habitats, serving as a testament to the intricate and varied forms that these ancient plants can take.
Common Names
Eng: glossy maidenhair
En: Glossy maidenhair
Synonyms
- Adiantum pulverulentum f. genuinum (Hieron.)
Distribution
- 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)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (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)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (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/2651851)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315260-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum pulverulentum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb