Narrowleaf midsorus fern (Blechnum polypodioides, Opusc. Sci. 3: 294 (1819))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: Raddi

Bibliography: Opusc. Sci. 3: 294 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Blechnum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Narrowleaf Midsorus Fern, scientifically known as Blechnum polypodioides, is an intriguing species that finds its origins in regions stretching from Mexico through Tropical America. This fern showcases the diverse botanical beauty of the Aspleniaceae family.

Originally described in 1819 by the authoritative botanist Raddi in his work “Opusc. Sci. 3: 294,” the Narrowleaf Midsorus Fern has since captivated the attention of scientists and plant enthusiasts alike with its distinctive characteristics.

This species thrives in various tropical climates, adapting to the varying environmental conditions found across its geographical range. Its narrow leaves set it apart from many other fern species, earning it the descriptive moniker “Narrowleaf.” The intricate pattern of its foliage and the unique structure of its sori – specialized spore-producing structures – indicate its adaptation to the tropical ecosystems it inhabits.

The Narrowleaf Midsorus Fern contributes significantly to the botanical richness of the areas it populates, playing a role in the local biodiversity. Its presence supports a variety of ecological interactions, making it an integral component of the habitats it is part of.

For those interested in the study of tropical ferns or the broader Aspleniaceae family, Blechnum polypodioides offers a fascinating subject due to its evolutionary adaptability and ecological importance. This fern remains a testament to the intricate and interconnected web of life found in tropical environments.

Common Names

Eng: narrowleaf midsorus fern
En: Narrowleaf midsorus fern, Narrow-Leaf Mid-Sorus Fern

Synonyms

• Spicanta unilateralis (Kuntze)
• Blechnum angustifrons (Fée)
• Blechnum scabrum (Liebm.)
• Blechnum pohlianum (C.Presl)
• Asplenium blechnoides (Lag.)
• Blechnum unilaterale f. maius (Sehnem)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

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.

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

Leaf

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by Disa Villada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by ODwyer patricio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 18, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 18, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651528)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30084843-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blechnum polypodioides Raddi)

Specifications

Growth