Peltate tonguefern (Elaphoglossum peltatum, Symb. Antill. 4: 60 (1903))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (Sw.) Urb.

Bibliography: Symb. Antill. 4: 60 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elaphoglossum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Elaphoglossum peltatum, commonly known as the Peltate tonguefern, is a remarkable species within the diverse Polypodiaceae family. This distinctive fern is characterized by large, shield-shaped fronds which are evocatively peltate—resembling a small shield with the leaf stalk attached somewhat centrally. This unique shape is a defining trait that makes the Peltate tonguefern highly recognizable and an intriguing subject for both botanists and plant enthusiasts.

The Peltate tonguefern exhibits a broad geographical distribution, thriving from Mexico through the tropical regions of the Americas. This extensive range is indicative of the plant’s adaptability to various tropical climates and environments. It predominantly occupies humid, shaded forest niches where it can harness the moist, dappled light conditions that favor its growth.

First documented and described in scientific literature in 1903, in the work Symbolae Antillanae (Symb. Antill. 4: 60), the authority of its classification is credited to (Sw.) Urb., acknowledging the contributions of the early botanists who first detailed this species. Since its initial classification, Elaphoglossum peltatum has captivated the attention of researchers studying tropical fern species and their unique morphological adaptations.

The Peltate tonguefern’s structure is not only a caution of its biological role within its habitat but also a testament to the remarkable diversity of form within the Polypodiaceae family. As a subject of botanical studies, it continues to provide insights into the evolutionary pathways of ferns and their ecological roles within tropical forest ecosystems. Whether in its native habitat or cultivated within botanical collections, Elaphoglossum peltatum stands as a vivid example of nature’s intricate beauty and complexity.

Common Names

Eng: peltate tonguefern
En: Peltate tonguefern

Synonyms

• Peltapteris peltata ((Sw.) C.V.Morton)
• Polybotrya peltata ((Sw.) J.Sm.)
• Olfersia peltata ((Sw.) C.Presl)
• Rhipidopteris peltata ((Sw.) Schott ex Fée)
• Osmunda peltata (Sw.)
• Acrostichum peltatum ((Sw.) Sw.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (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)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

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

Taken Aug 10, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Dr Ashwathanarayana Rao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2015 by Frank Hübner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 10, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Other

Taken Jan 8, 2016 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2005 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

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

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

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

Flower

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

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

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (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/2651039)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89267-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elaphoglossum peltatum (Sw.) Urb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth