Mother fern (Asplenium bulbiferum, Fl. Ins. Austr.: 80 (1786))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: G.Forst.

Bibliography: Fl. Ins. Austr.: 80 (1786)

Year: 1786

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asplenium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Marianas, New Zealand

Description

The Mother Fern, scientifically known as Asplenium bulbiferum, is a captivating and versatile plant that belongs to the Aspleniaceae family. This remarkable fern has a long and storied history, first documented in formal botanical literature in 1786 by the noted botanist G. Forst. Often revered for its unique appearance and adaptive qualities, the Mother Fern is native to the enchanting landscapes of the Marianas and New Zealand.

One of the defining features of the Mother Fern is its ability to produce bulbils or small proliferations on the fronds. These bulbils can eventually drop off and develop into new plants, making the fern an excellent choice for those looking to propagate their greenery with minimal effort. This characteristic not only makes the Mother Fern an attractive option for gardeners but also speaks to its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions.

The fronds of the Mother Fern are delicate and finely divided, creating a lace-like effect that adds an element of grace to any setting. Each frond can grow up to several feet in length, arching gracefully from the plant’s base and providing a lush, verdant display that is both ornamental and practical. The fern is well-suited to both indoor and outdoor environments, flourishing under conditions of partial to full shade, making it an excellent addition to shaded gardens or indoor plant collections where direct sunlight is limited.

In their native habitats, the Marianas and New Zealand, Mother Ferns play an integral role in the ecosystem. They often inhabit moist, shaded areas such as forest floors, rock crevices, and alongside streams, where they contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance. The fern’s presence supports various forms of wildlife by providing shelter and contributing to the humidity and organic matter within its environment.

Caring for a Mother Fern involves ensuring a humid atmosphere and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant’s health. Regular misting and occasional watering, coupled with an organic, nutrient-rich soil mix, can help maintain the fern’s lushness. While relatively low-maintenance, this fern benefits from a consistent care routine that mimics the moist, shaded conditions of its natural habitats.

In conclusion, the Mother Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is a striking and adaptable plant beloved by botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike. Its robust propagation characteristics, graceful fronds, and ability to enhance both indoor and outdoor green spaces make it a remarkable specimen within the diverse Aspleniaceae family. Whether cascading from a shaded garden bed or adding a touch of elegance to an indoor setting, the Mother Fern continues to captivate and inspire with its timeless beauty and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Swe: groddbräken
Eng: hen-and-chickens, mother fern, mother spleenwort
En: Mother fern, Mother spleenwort, Hen-and-chickens
Zh: 大铁角蕨
Fi: Ituraunioinen
Pl: Zanokcica bulwkowata
Sv: Groddbräken
Zh-tw: 大鐵角蕨

Synonyms

• Asplenium ramosum (Spreng. ex Kunze)
• Asplenium bulbiferum var. normale (Domin)
• Caenopteris bulbifera ((G.Forst.) Desv.)
• Caenopteris fabiana (Bory ex Willd.)
• Asplenium fabianum (Hombr. & Jacquinot)
• Asplenium canterburiense (J.B.Armstr.)
• Chamaefilix bulbifera ((G.Forst.) Farw.)
• Asplenium tremulum (Hombr. & Jacquinot)
• Asplenium marinum var. bulbiferum ((G.Forst.) F.Muell.)
• Asplenium bulbiferum var. pinnatum (Rodway)
• Asplenium bulbiferum var. laxum (Hook.f.)
• Asplenium bulbiferum var. tripinnatum (Hook.f.)

Distribution

• Antipodean Is. (native)
• Chatham Is. (native)
• Marianas (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Jay McGuiness (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Lila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Daniel Bäck (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7310861)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17040420-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asplenium bulbiferum G. Forst.)

Specifications

Growth