New world midsorus fern (Blechnum occidentale, “Sp. pl. 2:1077. 1753 “”orientale””; Sp. pl. ed. 2, 2:1534. 1763″)

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: “Sp. pl. 2:1077. 1753 “”orientale””; Sp. pl. ed. 2, 2:1534. 1763″

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Blechnum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The New World Midsorus Fern, scientifically named Blechnum occidentale, is a fascinating species that belongs to the Aspleniaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this fern has intrigued botanists for centuries. Its initial classification under the name “orientale” has evolved over time, with further distinctions made in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” published in 1763.

Found predominantly from Mexico through Tropical America, the geographical range of Blechnum occidentale is noteworthy. This broad distribution across varying tropical climates illustrates the fern’s adaptability and resilience.

The fern is easily recognizable by its lush, feather-like fronds, which provide a rich texture and vibrant green hue to the forest understory. As with many members of the Aspleniaceae family, the New World Midsorus Fern contributes significantly to its ecosystem, often playing a role in soil stabilization and providing a microhabitat for a variety of organisms.

Botanical enthusiasts and researchers alike continue to study Blechnum occidentale, drawn by its historical significance and ecological importance. The fern’s presence from the warm climates of Mexico down through the diverse forests of Tropical America highlights its adaptability and enduring appeal across botanical disciplines.

Common Names

Eng: new world midsorus fern, hammock fern
Deu: östlicher rippenfarn
En: New World midsorus fern, Hammock fern
De: Östlicher Rippenfarn

Synonyms

• Blechnum occidentale var. minus (E.Fourn.)
• Blechnum drepanophyllum (Trevis.)
• Blechnum triangulatum (J.Sm.)
• Blechnum extensum (Fée)
• Mesothema campylotis (C.Presl)
• Blechnum cognatum (C.Presl)
• Blechnum falcatum (Link)
• Spicanta occidentalis ((L.) Kuntze)
• Blechnum rugosum (T.Moore)
• Struthiopteris caudata (Maxon)
• Blechnum occidentale var. pectinatum (Hook.)
• Blechnum occidentale var. pallidum (Suess.)
• Blechnum occidentale var. campylote ((Kunze) Farw.)
• Blechnum occidentale var. lomariaceum (J.Bommer & Christ)
• Blechnum cunninghamii (T.Moore)
• Blechnum occidentale var. majus (E.Fourn.)
• Blechnum campylotis ((Kunze) J.Sm.)
• Blechnum occidentale var. lacerata (Rosenst.)
• Blechnum ciliatum (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Blechnum suburbicum (Vell.)
• Blechnum haenkeanum (Trevis.)
• Blechnum mucronatum (Fée)
• Struthiopteris appendiculata (Trevis.)
• Blechnum falciculatum (C.Presl)
• Blechnum galeottii (T.Moore)
• Blechnum lomariaceum (Sodiro)
• Blechnum humile (Salisb.)
• Blechnum helveolum (Fée)
• Blechnum occidentale var. cunninghamii ((T.Moore) Baker)
• Lomaria campylotis (Kunze)
• Blechnum scaberulum (Sodiro)
• Blechnum occidentale f. bifidum (Hahne)
• Blechnum sodiroi (C.Chr.)
• Blechnum cartilagineum (Schkuhr)
• Blechnum occidentale var. solutum (Kuhn ex E.Fourn.)
• Blechnum pectinatum (Hook.)
• Blechnum lomarioides (Sodiro)
• Blechnum acuminatum (Fée)
• Blechnum glandulosum (Wall.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (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)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (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)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

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

Taken Feb 28, 2021 by Disa Villada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by David Schmielden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2013 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 8, 2013 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 8, 2013 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

Other

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (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.

© 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/2651529)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:33632-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blechnum occidentale L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth