Toothed latticevein fern (Thelypteris serra, Ferns S.E. States: 241 (1938))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Sw.) R.P.St.John

Bibliography: Ferns S.E. States: 241 (1938)

Year: 1938

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thelypteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Greater Antilles

Description

The Toothed Latticevein Fern, scientifically known as Thelypteris serra, is a fascinating species belonging to the family Aspleniaceae. This fern is primarily observed in the lush and diverse regions of the Greater Antilles, where it thrives in the humid and tropical climate.

One of the distinctive features of Thelypteris serra is its finely serrated fronds, which give the fern its common name, “Toothed Latticevein.” These fronds are intricately patterned with a network of veins, adding a delicate and almost lattice-like appearance to the leaves. This structural beauty not only provides an aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in the fern’s ability to efficiently transport nutrients and water throughout its structure.

The Toothed Latticevein Fern was first described in detail in the book “Ferns S.E. States” in 1938, authored by the botanist R.P. St. John, who also recognized the contributions of the earlier work by Swartz (Sw.), a prominent figure in botany. This fern has since been a subject of interest for many botanists and plant enthusiasts due to its unique characteristics and its role in the ecosystems of the Greater Antilles.

In its natural habitat, Thelypteris serra can often be found in shaded, moist environments such as forest understories. It prefers locations where the soil is rich and well-drained, allowing its root system to expand and anchor firmly. The presence of this fern indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem, as ferns are known to be sensitive to environmental changes.

The Toothed Latticevein Fern serves not only as an important plant species for biodiversity but also as a valuable subject for scientific research. Studying this fern provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations of ferns in tropical climates and their interactions with other flora and fauna in their environment.

In summary, Thelypteris serra, or the Toothed Latticevein Fern, is a remarkable and historically significant fern that continues to captivate botanists and nature lovers alike. Its presence in the Greater Antilles underscores the rich biodiversity of this region and highlights the intricate beauty of fern species.

Common Names

En: Toothed latticevein fern
: Jamaican maiden fern

Synonyms

• Pelazoneuron serra ((Sw.) A.R.Sm. & S.E.Fawc.)
• Christella serra ((Sw.) Holttum)
• Dryopteris serra ((Sw.) Kuntze)
• Lastrea serra ((Sw.) C.Presl)
• Cyclodium serra ((Sw.) Brongn.)
• Cyclosorus serra ((Sw.) Farw.)
• Aspidium serra ((Sw.) Sw.)

Distribution

• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by kokoss kokoss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Sandra valeria (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (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)

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

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)

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

Fruit

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

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (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.

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:252338-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thelypteris serrata (Cav.) Alston)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5275280)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth