Netted adderstongue (Ophioglossum reticulatum, Sp. Pl.: 1063 (1753))

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1063 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophioglossum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Tropics & Subtropics

Description

Netted adderstongue, known scientifically as Ophioglossum reticulatum, is a fascinating species that captures the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, this unique plant belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family.

The natural habitat of the Netted adderstongue spans the tropics and subtropics, indicating its preference for warm and humid environments. This widespread distribution demonstrates the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions. The species is well-named for its distinctive appearance: the fronds display a reticulated, or net-like, pattern, which is quite characteristic and aids in its identification.

Ophioglossum reticulatum is a small perennial fern, and like others in its family, it features a simple and unbranched structure. The fronds are typically composed of a single leaf blade that unfurls in a unique manner reminiscent of a serpent’s tongue, thus the moniker “adderstongue.” This morphological trait not only distinguishes it visually but also contributes to the plant’s allure in botanical collections and studies.

In addition to its intriguing form, the Netted adderstongue plays an important role in its ecosystem. As a fern, it contributes to the ecological balance by providing ground cover and aiding in soil retention, which helps prevent erosion in tropical forest floors. Its presence signifies a healthy and biodiverse environment, supporting a range of microbial and insect life that thrives in the understory of tropical forests.

Despite its specific niche, the Netted adderstongue is relatively hardy and demonstrates a remarkable ability to thrive in various conditions within its preferred climate zones. This adaptability can be attributed to its evolutionary history and physiology, which equip it to handle differences in moisture and light availability.

In conclusion, the Netted adderstongue (Ophioglossum reticulatum) is a noteworthy species within the tropical and subtropical regions. Its distinctive reticulated fronds, unique morphologic features, and ecological role make it an important and interesting plant for study and conservation. Understanding and preserving such species is crucial for maintaining the health and diversity of our planet’s tropical ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: netted adder’s-tongue, netted adderstongue
En: Netted adderstongue, Netted Adder’s-Tongue
Fr: Ophioglosse réticulé

Synonyms

• Ophioglossum moluccanum f. dilatatum (Miq.)
• Ophioglossum reticulatum f. dilatatum ((Miq.) Wieff.)
• Ophioglossum cordifolium (Roxb.)
• Ophioglossum cognatum (C.Presl)
• Ophioglossum chaloneri (H.K.Goswami, M.Patel & K.K.Nag)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. minutum (F.M.Bailey)
• Ophioglossum obovatum (Miq.)
• Ophioglossum aletum (M.Patel, M.N.Reddy & H.K.Goswami)
• Ophioglossum raciborskii (Alderw.)
• Ophioglossum vulgatum var. reticulatum ((L.) D.C.Eaton)
• Ophioglossum ramosii (Copel.)
• Ophioglossum timorense (Miq.)
• Ophioglossum reticulatum var. acutius (Christ)
• Ophioglossum pedunculatum (Desv. & Nakai)
• Ophioglossum reticulatum var. polyangium (Christ)
• Ophioglossum austroasiaticum (Nishida)
• Ophioglossum usterianum (Christ)
• Ophioglossum cumingianum (C.Presl)
• Ophioglossum holm-nielsenii (B.Øllg.)
• Ophioglossum ovatum (Bory)
• Ophioglossum peruvianum (C.Presl)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Korea (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rodrigues (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Tuamotu (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (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 Oct 18, 2020 by Santhosh Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Sánchez Johysmer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Santhosh Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650137)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:174612-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophioglossum reticulatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth