Jeweled bristle fern (Trichomanes polypodioides, Sp. Pl.: 1098 (1753))

Family: Hymenophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1098 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trichomanes

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Jeweled Bristle Fern, scientifically known as Trichomanes polypodioides, is a fascinating and delicate plant that belongs to the family Hymenophyllaceae. First described by Linnaeus in 1753, this exquisite fern captivates botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its intricate and almost ethereal appearance.

Found predominantly from southern Mexico stretching through Tropical America, the Jeweled Bristle Fern thrives in humid, shaded environments where moisture is abundant. Typically, it resides in the undergrowth of dense, tropical forests, often clinging to wet rocks, tree trunks, and other surfaces that provide the constant humidity it requires. The habitat preference of this fern illustrates its dependency on the damp and shaded microclimates essential for its growth and survival.

What makes the Jeweled Bristle Fern particularly enchanting is its fine, bristle-like fronds that appear to glisten in the light, giving it a jewel-like quality. The fronds are composed of a delicate network of thin, translucent segments which contribute to its jewel-like appearance and name. This remarkable structure not only makes the fern visually stunning but also demonstrates the plant’s adaptation to its environment, where light filtration through dense canopy layers is limited.

The unique morphology of Trichomanes polypodioides has evolved to maximize its exposure to the minimal light available under the forest canopy while maintaining a structure capable of efficiently absorbing and retaining moisture. Such adaptations are crucial for surviving in the highly competitive and moisture-demanding ecosystems of tropical forests.

Additionally, the fronds of Trichomanes polypodioides form a key ecological component in their native habitats. By clinging to rocks and tree surfaces, they help to prevent erosion and contribute to the microhabitat’s biodiversity by providing shelter and moisture retention for various small organisms.

In summary, the Jeweled Bristle Fern (Trichomanes polypodioides) is not only a botanical gem due to its striking appearance but also a key player in maintaining the ecological balance within its native tropical environments. Its presence underscores the rich diversity of plant life thriving in the humid, shaded realms of tropical America, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay of life forms that sustain these vibrant ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: jeweled bristle fern
En: Jeweled bristle fern

Synonyms

• Ptilophyllum sinuosum ((Rich. ex Willd.) Prantl)
• Trichomanes serricula (Fée)
• Trichomanes puigari (Glaz.)
• Trichomanes ujhelyii (Kümmerle)
• Trichomanes pusillum var. quercifolium (Krug)
• Trichomanes sinuosum (Rich. ex Willd.)
• Trichomanes lindbergii (Mett.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jan 29, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275210)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315256-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichomanes polypodioides L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth