Showy spleenwort (Asplenium formosum, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 5: 329 (1810))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 5: 329 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asplenium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Trop. Africa, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka

Description

The Showy spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium formosum, is a fascinating fern that captures attention with its elegant appearance and wide distribution. Described and classified in the early 19th century, this species has been a subject of botanical interest since its inclusion in Willdenow’s 1810 work, “Species Plantarum” (4th edition, volume 5, page 329).

Belonging to the family Aspleniaceae, the Showy spleenwort demonstrates remarkable adaptability by thriving in various warm climates across the globe. Its native range extends across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Africa, and it is also prevalent in Madagascar, India, and Sri Lanka. This broad geographic spread highlights the plant’s resilience and its ability to colonize diverse habitats.

Characterized by its attractive and delicate fronds, the Showy spleenwort can often be found in moist, shaded environments where it contributes to the rich biodiversity of its surroundings. The plant’s fronds, typically green and finely divided, create a visually appealing display, which adds to the allure of the shaded forest floors and rocky crevices it inhabits.

The Showy spleenwort’s adaptability and aesthetic value make it an excellent subject for both botanical study and ornamental horticulture. Its presence across multiple continents underscores its ecological importance and exemplifies the rich diversity within the Aspleniaceae family. Asplenium formosum serves as a testament to the beauty and complexity of fern species worldwide, continually inspiring interest and admiration among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: showy spleenwort
En: Showy spleenwort

Synonyms

• Chamaefilix formosa ((Willd.) Farw.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• 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)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• French Guiana (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)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (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.

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)

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

Other

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

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

Habit

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

Taken Nov 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paterne MINGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paterne MINGOU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

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)

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/2650687)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:22417-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asplenium formosum Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth