Singlesorus spleenwort (Asplenium monanthes, Mant. Pl.: 130 (1767))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl.: 130 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asplenium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Tristan da Cunha, Bioko, Cameroon, Somalia to S. Africa Madagascar, Réunion, Hawaiian Is., Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Singlesorus spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium monanthes, is a remarkable fern that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. This delicate, yet resilient plant has a broad geographical range, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse environments. You can encounter this species in the lush landscapes of Macaronesia, the remote archipelago of Tristan da Cunha, and the verdant island of Bioko. It extends its presence across the African continent, from Cameroon through to Southern Africa, including regions such as Somalia, Madagascar, and Réunion.

Not confined to the Old World, the Asplenium monanthes also graces the Hawaiian Islands and spans the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. This widespread distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and terrains.

First officially described in 1767 in the monumental work “Mantissa Plantarum” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, the Singlesorus spleenwort has intrigued plant enthusiasts and botanists alike for centuries. Its intricate frond structure and the unique way it contributes to the ecosystem make it a fascinating subject for study and observation.

Whether found clinging to rocky outcrops, nestled in moist forest floors, or adorning garden collections, the Singlesorus spleenwort continues to capture the interest of those who appreciate the intricate beauty and ecological importance of ferns.

Common Names

Eng: single-sorus spleenwort, singlesorus spleenwort
En: Singlesorus spleenwort, Single-sorus spleenwort
Fi: Kamparaunioinen

Synonyms

• Chamaefilix monanthes ((L.) Farw.)
• Asplenium monanthemum (L.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Azores (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Free State (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Tristan da Cunha (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Hagi90 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 25, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2650637)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:22558-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asplenium monanthes L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth