Tansy bristle fern (Trichomanes pinnatum, : [17] (1799))

Family: Hymenophyllaceae

Author: Hedw.

Bibliography: : [17] (1799)

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trichomanes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Tansy bristle fern, scientifically known as Trichomanes pinnatum, is a captivating species that graces the rich, humid environments ranging from Mexico through tropical regions of the Americas. Belonging to the Hymenophyllaceae family, this fern exemplifies delicate beauty and intricate biological structures that capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

First described in 1799 by Hedwig, Trichomanes pinnatum emerges as a testament to nature’s ability to forge complex forms and elegant designs. This species thrives in moist, shaded forests where the constant humidity and diffuse sunlight create an optimal environment for its growth. Its fronds exhibit a finely divided, feather-like appearance that bears a resemblance to the anise-scented herb, tansy, thus lending the common name, Tansy bristle fern.

The Tansy bristle fern is characterized by its slender, wiry stems and a mat-like formation of roots that anchor it steadfastly to its preferred substrate, usually rocks or tree trunks. The intricate fronds can vary in size but consistently display a striking pattern of delicate, subdivided pinnae which give the plant an almost ethereal quality.

Its ecological range from Mexico to the tropical zones of Central and South America suggests a wide adaptability to various microhabitats within this extensive geographical area. This adaptability enables Trichomanes pinnatum to contribute significantly to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of the tropical forests it inhabits.

In examining the botanical attributes of Trichomanes pinnatum, it becomes apparent that this species not only plays a role in the aesthetic and structural diversity of its habitat but also holds importance within the ecological community. It provides microhabitats for various small organisms and contributes to the forest’s overall structural complexity, which is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

For researchers and botanists, the Tansy bristle fern offers valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics of ferns within the Hymenophyllaceae family, known for their remarkable adaptation to high-humidity environments. Continued study of such species is vital for understanding the broader ecological roles these ferns play and for conservation efforts aimed at preserving tropical biodiversity.

In conclusion, Trichomanes pinnatum, or the Tansy bristle fern, stands out as a beautiful and ecologically significant species of the Hymenophyllaceae family. Its presence from Mexico down through tropical America not only enriches the biodiversity of these regions but also offers an intriguing subject for continued botanical exploration.

Common Names

Eng: tansy bristle fern
En: Tansy bristle fern

Synonyms

• Trichomanes floribundum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.)
• Neurophyllum thecaphyllum (Fée)
• Trichomanes pinnatum var. hedwigii (Domin)
• Trichomanes pinnatum subvar. rhizophyllum ((Cav.) Domin)
• Neurophyllum hedwigianum (Fée)
• Neurophyllum rhizophyllum ((Cav.) Fée)
• Neurophyllum pennatum (C.Presl)
• Neurophyllum pinnatum (C.Presl)
• Trichomanes schomburgkianum (Sturm)
• Trichomanes rhizophyllum (Cav.)
• Trichomanes pinnatum f. immersum ((Bosch) Domin)
• Neuromanes hedwigii (Bosch)
• Neuromanes immersum (Bosch)
• Trichomanes spectabile (Klotzsch)
• Neuromanes schomburgkianum (Bosch)
• Ptilophyllum schomburgkianum (Prantl)
• Neuromanes kaulfussii (Bosch)
• Trichomanes pinnatum f. stipitatum (Domin)
• Trichomanes pennatum (Kaulf.)
• Trichomanes pinnatum var. rhizophyllum ((Cav.) Alston)
• Trichomanes pinnatum var. kaulfussii (Domin)
• Ptilophyllum pinnatum ((Hedw.) Prantl)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – M. Jones (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/5275202)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320804-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichomanes pinnatum Hedw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth