Japanese false spleenwort (Deparia petersenii, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 90: 37 (1977))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Kunze) M.Kato

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 90: 37 (1977)

Year: 1977

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Deparia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mascarenes, Trop. & Subtrop. Asia

Description

The Japanese false spleenwort, scientifically known as Deparia petersenii, is a captivating fern that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. The plant was officially classified by the botanist M. Kato in 1977, and this classification was published in the Botanical Magazine of Tokyo.

Deparia petersenii is distinguished by its delicate fronds and intricate leaf patterns which make it a visually appealing addition to any collection of ferns or ornamental gardens. The plant is native to a wide geographical range, predominantly found in the Mascarene Islands as well as tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. This widespread distribution showcases its adaptability to various climatic environments, from humid tropical rainforests to less temperate subtropical zones.

This species thrives in shady, moist habitats often found in forest understories where it can receive filtered sunlight and maintain the high humidity conditions it prefers. The Japanese false spleenwort exhibits the characteristic features of its family, with slender stem structures and finely divided leaves that lend it an elegant appearance. It forms an essential part of the ecosystem by contributing to the biodiversity and aiding in the maintenance of the forest floor structure through its growth habits.

In cultivation, Deparia petersenii requires a well-draining soil medium enriched with organic matter to replicate its natural forest floor habitat. Regular watering and a humid environment are crucial to simulate the fern’s native conditions, ensuring its lush growth and longevity.

The Japanese false spleenwort holds significant interest not only for horticulturists but also for botanists studying the diversity and adaptations of fern species within various environmental contexts. Its resilience and ornamental appeal underscore its value in both natural and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Eng: japanese false spleenwort
En: Japanese false spleenwort, Petersen’s-Spleenwort, Petersen’s lady fern
: Petersen’s-spleenwort

Synonyms

• Athyriopsis petersenii ((Kunze) Ching)
• Lunathyrium petersenii ((Kunze) H.Ohba)
• Diplazium petersenii ((Kunze) Christ)
• Asplenium petersenii (Kunze)
• Deparia japonica subsp. petersenii ((Kunze) Fraser-Jenk.)
• Athyrium petersenii ((Kunze) Copel.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Borneo (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Korea (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Jan 23, 2016 by EOL − David Hutchinson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 23, 2016 by EOL − David Hutchinson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Feb 1, 2016 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Nov 18, 2013 by EOL − bbi2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 27, 2013 by EOL − bbi2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 1, 2014 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 23, 2016 by EOL − David Hutchinson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7125872)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17554430-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Deparia petersenii (Kunze) M. Kato)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth