Longstem adderstongue (Ophioglossum petiolatum, Exot. Fl. 1(4): t. 56 (1823))

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Author: Hook.

Bibliography: Exot. Fl. 1(4): t. 56 (1823)

Year: 1823

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophioglossum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific, S. Mexico

Description

Longstem Adderstongue, scientifically known as Ophioglossum petiolatum, is a fascinating species belonging to the Ophioglossaceae family. Documented in Hooker’s “Exotic Flora” in 1823, this plant boasts a unique blend of botanical intrigue and geographical diversity.

This plant thrives primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, stretching from Asia to the Pacific and reaching as far as Southern Mexico. The longstem adderstongue is notable for its elongated stem and distinctive tongue-like fronds, which contribute to its common name. These fronds are typically simple, lacking the complex divisions seen in many other ferns, and they often present a clean, minimalist beauty.

Ophioglossum petiolatum is an ancient lineage of plants, often considered living fossils due to their simplicity and resemblance to some of the earliest terrestrial plants. Despite their prehistoric origins, they have adapted well to a variety of modern habitats within their wide geographical range.

This species is not just a marvel to look at but also plays a vital role in its ecosystems. By understanding the ecological and botanical context of Longstem Adderstongue, botanists and plant enthusiasts can appreciate its unique position within the plant kingdom’s rich tapestry. Its presence in varied climates underscores the importance of conserving diverse habitats to protect such unique species.

Common Names

Eng: longstem adder’s-tongue, longstem adderstongue, stalked adder’s-tongue
En: Longstem adderstongue, Long-Stem Adder’s-Tongue, Longstem adder’s-tongue, Stalked adder’s-tongue

Synonyms

• Ophioglossum elongatum (A.Cunn.)
• Ophioglossum moluccanum f. complicatum (Miq.)
• Ophioglossum reticulatum f. complicatum ((Miq.) Wieff.)
• Ophioglossum litorale (Makino)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. australasiaticum (Luerss.)
• Ophioglossum floridanum f. favosum (E.P.St.John)
• Ophioglossum floridanum (E.P.St.John)
• Ophioglossum moluccanum (Schltdl.)
• Ophioglossum floridanum f. reticulosum (E.P.St.John)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Chatham Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kermadec Is. (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Niue (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Tubuai Is. (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Virginia (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.

Habit

Taken Apr 9, 2016 by Endemia – Rémy Amice (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 23, 2013 by Endemia – Jean-François Butaud (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 9, 2016 by Endemia – Rémy Amice (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Endemia – Rémy Amice (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Endemia – Rémy Amice (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650129)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17167890-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophioglossum petiolatum Hook.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth