Least adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum, Sp. pl. 2:1063. 1753)

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:1063. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophioglossum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, NW. Europe to Medit.

Description

The Least adder’s-tongue, scientifically known as Ophioglossum lusitanicum, is a remarkable member of the Ophioglossaceae family. This tiny yet fascinating fern captures the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.

First described in 1753, Ophioglossum lusitanicum boasts a notable place in botanical history. It was included in the seminal work “Species Plantarum,” which laid the foundation for plant taxonomy and classification. The author, referred to simply as ‘L.’, is none other than Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy.

Geographically, the Least adder’s-tongue enjoys a broad native range stretching from Macaronesia, a group of Atlantic islands that includes the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, to various regions of Northwestern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. This widespread distribution speaks to the plant’s adaptability to different climatic conditions and habitats.

Botanically, Ophioglossum lusitanicum is a small but intriguing fern. Despite its diminutive size, it is known for its convoluted and somewhat mysterious life cycle, which follows the unique reproductive pattern typical of ferns. The plant’s leaves are simple and undivided, often carrying a spore-bearing spike, which aids in its reproduction and lifecycle extension.

The Least adder’s-tongue thrives in moist, shaded environments often found in undisturbed areas. Its presence is usually an indicator of healthy, stable ecosystems, making it an important species for ecological studies and conservation efforts. Plant enthusiasts also appreciate its delicateness and find it a rewarding subject for study, contributing to its charm and scientific intrigue.

In summary, Ophioglossum lusitanicum, or the Least adder’s-tongue, is a small yet significant fern with a rich botanical history, broad geographic presence, and unique ecological importance. Its study not only helps in understanding ferns’ intricate lifecycles but also plays a role in preserving the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: least adder’s-tongue, least adder’s-tongue fern
Fra: ophioglosse du portugal
Cym: tafod y neidr lleiaf, y tafod-y-neidr lleiaf
Spa: lengua de serpiente
En: Least adder’s-tongue, Least adder’s-tongue fern
Ca: Llengua de serp
Fi: Portugalinkäärmeenkieli
Fr: Ophioglosse du Portugal
De: Portugiesische Natternzunge
He: לשון-אפעה קטנה
It: Ofioglosso lusitanico, Ophioglosso lusitanico
Es: Lengua de serpiente
Cy: Y tafod-y-neidr lleiaf, Tafod y Neidr Lleiaf

Synonyms

• Ophioglossum vulgatum subsp. lusitanicum ((L.) Hook.f.)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. microphyllum (Rouy)
• Ophioglossum lusitanicum var. longepedunculum (Rouy)
• Ophioglossum lusitanicum var. latifolium (Rouy)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. macrophyllum (Rouy)
• Ophioglossum loureiroanum (C.Presl)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. lusitanicum ((L.) Hook. & Arn.)
• Ophioglossum braunii (Prantl)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Llandrich anna (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.

Habit

Taken Mar 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Bernard THOMAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2021 by David Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 12, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2018 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 12, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650128)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17167680-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophioglossum lusitanicum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jan’, ‘feb’, ‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’, ‘nov’, ‘dec’]

Soil nutriments: 2