Jersey fern (Anogramma leptophylla, Fil. Spec.: 137 (1841))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: (L.) Link

Bibliography: Fil. Spec.: 137 (1841)

Year: 1841

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anogramma

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. Europe to Tropics & Subtropics

Description

The Jersey fern, scientifically known as Anogramma leptophylla, is a fascinating member of the Pteridaceae family. First described in “Fil. Spec.: 137” in 1841 by the renowned botanist (L.) Link, this delicate fern exhibits a unique charm that has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Anogramma leptophylla is a small, annual fern highly adapted to its environment. Native to Southern Europe, this species expands its reach into the tropical and subtropical regions. The adaptability of the Jersey fern to various climates speaks to its resilient nature. It tends to thrive in well-drained, moist soils, often found in crevices of rocks or on shaded, damp embankments where it can receive sufficient indirect sunlight.

The fern’s fine, feathery fronds are typically bright green and possess a fragile structure, making it a delicate yet intricate addition to the flora of its native regions. Each frond arises from a small, underground rhizome, which anchors the plant securely into the ground. Unlike many other ferns, the lifecycle of the Jersey fern involves a distinct reproduction pattern, where sporangia (spore-producing structures) are prominently displayed on the undersides of the fronds.

An observation of its habitat reveals that the Jersey fern prefers a temperate to warm climate, which aligns well with its distribution from Southern Europe to the tropical and subtropical regions. This environmental preference ensures it avoids the harsh extremes of cold, allowing it to proliferate in a stable environment conducive to its growth and reproduction cycles.

The Jersey fern does not demand extensive care, which makes it a good choice for gardeners interested in native species or those creating themed garden zones that reflect Mediterranean or tropical settings. Its growth pattern is characterized by its seasonality, with fronds typically appearing during favorable conditions and receding during harsher climates, thus conserving energy and resources.

Overall, Anogramma leptophylla exemplifies the delicate balance and resilience found within the fern species. Its presence from Southern Europe to the various tropics and subtropics underlines its adaptability and the subtle beauty it adds to the botanical world. Whether in a natural, wild setting or as part of a cultivated garden, the Jersey fern’s ethereal charm provides a touch of elegance and a wonderful study in plant adaptation and survival.

Common Names

Deu: dünnblättriger nacktfarn
Spa: helecho de tiempo
Eng: jersey fern
En: Jersey fern
Fr: Anogramma à feuilles minces, Anogramme à feuilles minces, Anogramma à frondes minces, Anogramme à frondes minces, Anogramme à limbe mince, Grammitis
De: Dünnblättriger Nacktfarn, Nacktfarn
He: חשפונית עדינה
It: Felcetta annuale
Es: Helecho de tiempo

Synonyms

• Gymnogramma chaerophylla var. cryptogrammoides (Christ)
• Didymochlaena lunulata var. microphylla (J.Bommer)
• Pityrogramma guatemalensis (Domin)
• Osmunda leptophylla ((L.) Savigny)
• Grammitis leptophylla ((L.) Sw.)
• Anogramma guatemalensis ((Domin) C.Chr.)
• Asplenium geminaria (Bory)
• Gymnogramma leptophylla ((L.) Desv.)
• Tarachia geminaria (C.Presl)
• Gymnogramma novae-zealandiae (Colenso)
• Anogramma caespitosa (Pic.Serm.)
• Gymnogramma leptophylla var. cryptogrammoides (J.Bommer)
• Grammitis adiantoides (Griff.)
• Dicranodium leptophyllum ((L.) Newman)
• Hemionitis leptophylla ((L.) Lag.)
• Pityrogramma leptophylla ((L.) Domin)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Angola (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Corse (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Egypt (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Free State (native)
• Greece (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Morocco (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Peru (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Emmanuel Cosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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.

Flower

Taken May 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5566022)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1042066-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anogramma leptophylla (L.) Link)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5