Mexican umbrella fern (Sticherus bifidus, Sunyatsenia 5: 282 (1940))

Family: Gleicheniaceae

Author: (Willd.) Ching

Bibliography: Sunyatsenia 5: 282 (1940)

Year: 1940

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sticherus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cuba, Trinidad-Tobago to S. Trop. America

Description

The Mexican umbrella fern, scientifically known as Sticherus bifidus, is an intriguing and delicate fern species that finds its place within the Gleicheniaceae family. With a known distribution spanning from the lush regions of Cuba and Trinidad-Tobago to the vibrant ecosystems of South Tropical America, this fern contributes significantly to the biodiversity of these locales.

First described in the scholarly journal Sunyatsenia (Vol. 5, p. 282, 1940) by the botanist Ching, following the original classification by Willdenow, Sticherus bifidus presents distinct morphological features which befit its common name. Its fronds resemble the spokes of an umbrella, with bifurcating (split into two parts) fronds that provide a remarkable visual appeal. Each frond segment delicately branches out in a symmetrical arrangement, creating an elegant canopy-like structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Mexican umbrella fern thrives in humid, shaded environments, where it contributes to the lush, green understorey. Its preference for tropical climates means it can often be found in forested regions and alongside streams, benefiting from the moist, fertile soil. This adaptability to specific ecological niches underscores the importance of conserving its natural habitats to ensure the continued survival of this unique fern.

Botanists and plant enthusiasts often admire the Mexican umbrella fern for its intricate patterns and structural complexity. Moreover, its contribution to the ecological fabric where it resides is invaluable, playing a role in soil stabilization and providing habitat for various microfauna.

In summary, Sticherus bifidus, or the Mexican umbrella fern, stands out not just for its visual appeal, but also for its ecological significance and the role it plays in the biodiversity of tropical Americas.

Common Names

Eng: mexican umbrella fern
En: Mexican umbrella fern

Synonyms

• Gleichenia pubescens (Kunth)
• Mertensia bifida (Willd.)
• Dicranopteris pubescens ((Kunth) Conz.)
• Gleichenia immersa (Spreng.)
• Gleichenia pubescens var. glabra (Hook.)
• Gleichenia bifida ((Willd.) Spreng.)
• Dicranopteris bifida (Maxon)
• Dicranopteris dichotoma var. pubescens (Farw.)
• Mertensia immersa (Kaulf.)
• Sticherus pubescens ((Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Nakai)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651575)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:245596-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sticherus bifidus (Willd.) Ching)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth