Woodland necklace fern (Lindsaea lancea, 6: 292 (1876))

Family: Lindsaeaceae

Author: (L.) Bedd.

Bibliography: 6: 292 (1876)

Year: 1876

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lindsaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Woodland Necklace Fern, scientifically known as Lindsaea lancea, is a captivating species belonging to the Lindsaeaceae family. Endemic to regions spanning from Southern Mexico to Tropical America, this fern thrives in the humid, shaded environments typical of woodland areas.

Characterized by its delicate and intricate fronds, the Woodland Necklace Fern offers a graceful aesthetic that justifies its poetic common name. The fronds exhibit a unique arrangement of pinnae, giving an impression reminiscent of a necklace when viewed in their natural habitat. The lush green foliage provides an enchanting ground cover, complementing the diverse plant communities with which it coexists.

First documented in 1876, the detailed classification of this fern was provided by the renowned botanist Beddome, who noted its distinctiveness within the vast spectrum of fern species. The plant’s scientific nomenclature, Lindsaea lancea, pays homage to the meticulous work of earlier botanical researchers, encapsulating both its lineage and regional specificity.

Adapted to the climatic conditions of tropical and subtropical forests, Lindsaea lancea is well-suited to humid, low-light environments, often found under the forest canopy where sunlight filters through sporadically. Its resilience and ability to thrive in such conditions make it a vital component of the understory flora, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological stability of these regions.

In terms of cultivation, the Woodland Necklace Fern requires a habitat that simulates its natural environment – ample moisture, moderate temperatures, and filtered sunlight. Gardeners and horticulturists value the plant for its ornamental appeal and relatively straightforward care requirements, making it a popular choice for indoor and shaded garden settings.

Overall, the Woodland Necklace Fern is not just a botanical curiosity but a significant species that highlights the rich biodiversity of tropical American forests. Its presence underlines the ecological complexity and the intricate beauty found within these ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: woodland necklace fern
En: Woodland necklace fern

Synonyms

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (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)
• 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)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Habit

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

Leaf

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)

© 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/2650765)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17135350-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lindsaea lancea (L.) Bedd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth