Threeleaf goldback fern (Pityrogramma trifoliata, Contr. Gray Herb. 189: 68 (1962))

Family: Pteridaceae

Author: (L.) R.M.Tryon

Bibliography: Contr. Gray Herb. 189: 68 (1962)

Year: 1962

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pityrogramma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Threeleaf Goldback Fern, scientifically known as Pityrogramma trifoliata, belongs to the Pteridaceae family, a distinguished group known for its diverse and often visually striking fern species. First described in literature in the Contributions from the Gray Herbarium in 1962 by the botanist R.M. Tryon, this species has a unique heritage that connects it to the work of early botanists who classified many tropical and subtropical plants.

Native to the warmer regions of the Americas, the Threeleaf Goldback Fern thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. These environmental conditions support the growth of its distinctive fronds, which often display a delicate, almost lacy appearance. The fern gets its common name from the golden coloration found on the underside of its leaves—an identifying characteristic that adds a touch of brilliance to its natural habitat.

Pityrogramma trifoliata grows in a variety of landscapes, often favoring shaded or semi-shaded locations where moisture is abundant but not excessive. Its adaptability makes it a resilient species capable of thriving in the undergrowth of dense forests, along riverbanks, and in more open wooded areas.

This fern’s ornamental and ecological value cannot be understated. It plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of its native regions by providing ground cover that supports soil health and stability. Additionally, its presence in the ecosystem offers habitat and food for various local fauna, contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

In summary, the Threeleaf Goldback Fern is a captivating and ecologically significant plant, with a storied history in botanical literature and a thriving presence in Tropic and Subtropics America. Its distinctive golden-backed leaves and its role within its native habitats make it a noteworthy species within the Pteridaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: threeleaf goldback fern
En: Threeleaf goldback fern, Golden-rod Fern

Synonyms

• Gymnogramma trifoliata ((L.) Desv.)
• Hemionitis trifoliata ((L.) Kunth)
• Ceropteris trifoliata ((L.) Kuhn)
• Trismeria trifoliata var. subpinnata (Hieron.)
• Trismeria argentea (Fée)
• Trismeria aurea (Fée)
• Trismeria trifoliata ((L.) Diels)
• Trismeria microphylla (Fée)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Trap Hers (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/2651799)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:200991-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pityrogramma trifoliata (L.) R.M. Tryon)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth