Toothed latticevein fern (Thelypteris serrata, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1932: 309 (1932))

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: (Cav.) Alston

Bibliography: Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1932: 309 (1932)

Year: 1932

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thelypteris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Toothed Latticevein Fern, scientifically known as Thelypteris serrata, is a fascinating and diverse member of the Aspleniaceae family. Its intricate and detailed foliage adds to its appeal, making it a worthy subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

This distinctive fern is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it thrives in the warm and humid conditions typical of these climates. It is commonly found in shady, forested areas and can often be seen gracing the undergrowth with its elegantly serrated fronds.

The Toothed Latticevein Fern features finely toothed leaf margins, which contribute to its unique name. These serrations, along with the fern’s characteristic lattice-like vein pattern, make it relatively easy to identify in the wild. The leaves, or fronds, of this species are typically a vibrant green, adding a splash of color to the forest floor.

First formally described and cataloged in botanical literature in 1932, Thelypteris serrata was then included in the Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information of Kew. José Cavallos first named the species, and it was later reclassified by the renowned botanist Alston, further consolidating its botanical identity.

As members of the Aspleniaceae family, Toothed Latticevein Ferns share many characteristics with other ferns. They reproduce through spores, a common trait among ferns, and do not produce flowers or seeds. This mode of reproduction involves releasing spores from the undersides of their fronds, which then disperse and germinate under suitable conditions.

In addition to its reproductive strategy, the ecological role of Thelypteris serrata is noteworthy. These ferns contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of their habitats by providing shelter and habitat for various insects and small organisms. Moreover, as with many ferns, they play a part in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems.

The jaw-dropping beauty and intricate details of the Toothed Latticevein Fern make it a remarkable subject for both garden enthusiasts and nature conservationists. Whether admired in a botanical garden or studied in its natural habitat, Thelypteris serrata remains a testament to the diversity and wonder of plant life on Earth.

Common Names

En: Toothed latticevein fern

Synonyms

• Meniscium palustre (Raddi)
• Meniscium screberi (Rich.)
• Meniscium serratum (Cav.)
• Meniscium palustre var. minus (Kunze)
• Meniscium rostratum (Fée)
• Cyclosorus cocoslyrus (Christenh.)
• Phegopteris serrata ((Cav.) Mett.)
• Meniscium reticulatum var. serratum ((Cav.) Farw.)
• Dryopteris serrata ((Cav.) C.Chr.)
• Phegopteris palustris (Mett.)

Distribution

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

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:252339-2)
• 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