Grass fern (Vittaria graminifolia, Enum. Filic.: 192 (1824))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: Kaulf.

Bibliography: Enum. Filic.: 192 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vittaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Grass fern, scientifically known as Vittaria graminifolia, is a unique and fascinating species belonging to the Pteridaceae family. First documented in 1824 by Kaulf. in Enum. Filic.: 192, this fern has captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to a range of regions extending from Mexico to tropical America, the grass fern thrives in diverse environmental conditions found in these areas. Its adaptability and resilience make it a common yet intriguing inhabitant of tropical ecosystems.

The grass fern is characterized by its delicate, grass-like fronds, which give it both its common and scientific names. These slender, elongated fronds resemble blades of grass, providing a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other fern species. The plant’s fronds are not just for show; they play a vital role in the fern’s reproductive cycle and photosynthesis.

In investigating the habitat and growth patterns of Vittaria graminifolia, one can observe its preference for humid, shaded environments, often clinging to rocks, tree trunks, or other surfaces in shaded forests. This epiphytic nature allows it to access essential nutrients and moisture from the air and surrounding substrates, making it a vital component of the forest understory.

The distribution of grass fern across such a broad geographic range is a testament to its ecological versatility. Whether found nestled among the dense foliage of a Mexican jungle or flourishing in the wet, tropical climates of Central and South America, this fern contributes to the richness and complexity of its native habitats.

Studying Vittaria graminifolia offers valuable insights into the diversity and adaptation strategies of ferns and highlights the intricate relationships within tropical ecosystems. Its graceful appearance and hardy nature make it both an ornamental plant for enthusiasts and a subject of scientific interest for ongoing research in botany and ecology.

Common Names

Eng: grass fern
En: Grass fern

Synonyms

• Vittaria dimorpha (Müll.Berol.)
• Vittaria lineata var. graminifolia ((Kaulf.) Rosenst.)
• Taeniopsis graminifolia (J.Sm.)
• Vittaria spartimorpha (Trevis.)
• Oetosis lineata var. filifolia ((Fée) Farw.)
• Vittaria filifolia (Fée)

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)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Espino Rosinda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by gutierrez mauricio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by gutierrez mauricio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 2, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2009 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 28, 2009 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (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/2650247)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:266216-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vittaria graminifolia Kaulf.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth