Southern brackenfern (Pteridium caudatum, Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus. 23: 631 (1901))

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

Author: Maxon

Bibliography: Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus. 23: 631 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pteridium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Southern brackenfern, scientifically recognized as Pteridium caudatum, is a prominent species within the Dennstaedtiaceae family. First described by Maxon in the Proceedings of the U.S. National Museum in 1901, this fern has garnered attention for its widespread distribution.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Southern brackenfern thrives in a variety of ecological environments. It flourishes abundantly across forests and grasslands, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. The plant’s distinctive foliage, characterized by its divided, feather-like fronds, contributes to its identification and appeal among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The presence of Pteridium caudatum in diverse habitats underscores its significant role in these ecosystems. By stabilizing soil and providing cover, this fern supports both plant and animal communities, highlighting its ecological importance. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Southern brackenfern not only enriches botanical knowledge but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of flora within tropical and subtropical Americas.

Common Names

Eng: lacy bracken, southern brackenfern, southern bracken fern
En: Southern brackenfern, Lacy bracken, Southern bracken fern

Synonyms

• Cincinalis caudata ((L.) Trevis.)
• Allosorus caudatus ((L.) C.Presl)
• Ornithopteris caudata ((L.) J.Sm.)
• Pteridium aquilinum subsp. caudatum ((L.) Bonap.)
• Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum ((L.) Christ)
• Pteridium aquilinum f. glabrata (Hieron.)
• Pteridium aquilinum var. africanum (Bonap.)
• Pteris aquilina var. caudata ((L.) A.Gray)
• Filix-foemina aquilina var. caudata ((L.) Farw.)
• Pteris caudata (L.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by yves mathieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)

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

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by yves mathieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Martin Ramírez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Restrepo Castañeda RuYXime❤️🌻 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by yves mathieu (cc-by-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/5275014)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:213799-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pteridium caudatum (L.) Maxon)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.5