Woodland islandfern (Olfersia cervina, Flora 7(1): 312 (1824))

Family: Polypodiaceae

Author: (L.) Kunze

Bibliography: Flora 7(1): 312 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Olfersia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Trop. America

Description

The Woodland Islandfern, scientifically known as Olfersia cervina, is a fascinating species belonging to the Polypodiaceae family. First described in 1824 in the journal Flora, its formal classification was credited to the meticulous studies of the botanist Kunze.

This fern is known for its wide distribution, spanning from Mexico, particularly in the regions of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, down through Tropical America. The Woodland Islandfern thrives in these areas, finding its niche in the rich, often humid, forest environments that characterize these tropical and subtropical regions.

The Woodland Islandfern boasts a unique and appealing morphology that captures the essence of tropical flora. It is cherished not only for its ecological role but also for its potential ornamental value. Whether flourishing on the forest floor or adorning rocky outcrops, Olfersia cervina contributes significantly to the biodiversity and ecological stability of its native habitats.

Discoveries and observations by botanists and researchers continue to shed light on its adaptability and growth patterns, ensuring that the Woodland Islandfern remains an important subject of study within the botanical sciences. Its enduring presence from Mexico through to Tropical America highlights its resilience and ecological versatility, making it a remarkable species within the Polypodiaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: woodland islandfern
En: Woodland islandfern

Synonyms

• Olfersia corcovadensis (Raddi)
• Polybotrya raddiana (Kaulf.)
• Dorcapteris cervina ((L.) C.Presl)
• Pteris ophioglossoides (Vell.)
• Acrostichum cervinum var. corcovadense ((Raddi) Baker)
• Acrostichum linearifolium (C.Presl)
• Polybotrya corcovadensis (Spreng.)
• Osmunda cervina (L.)
• Polybotrya cervina f. transitoria (Rosenst.)
• Polybotrya cervina ((L.) Kaulf.)
• Acrostichum cervinum ((L.) Sw.)
• Olfersia cervina var. corcovadensis ((Raddi) Hook.)
• Elaphoglossum cinctum (Rosenst.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Central American Pac (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)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – N. Zamora (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by OTS – Chaves-Fallas, José Miguel (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/5275085)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17166300-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Olfersia cervina (L.) Kunze)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth