SafePlants

Cnemidaria: A Genus of Tree Ferns

Cnemidaria is a genus of tree ferns belonging to the family Cyatheaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The provided text mentions the presence of spines ("espinos") on the stem of at least one species, suggesting potential for physical injury.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cnemidaria C. Presl (with variations in author attribution)
• Family: Cyatheaceae
• Major Group: Pteridophytes (Ferns and Allies)
• Synonyms:
  • Cnemidopteris Reichenbach (1841)
  • Actinophlebia C.B. Presl (1847)
  • Hemistegia C.B. Presl (1847)
• Nothogenus: Cyathidaria (hybrids between Cyathea and Cnemidaria)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cnemidaria grandifolia is found from Trinidad and Tobago to the Paraguan Peninsula in Venezuela.
• The genus is characterized by its presence in the tropics of New World.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Cordillera de la Costa, Venezuela
  • Antioquia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua
  • Guyane, rserve de Trsor (montagne de Kaw)

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are subaborescent or marginally aborescent.
• They can grow up to 3.5 meters tall.
• Some species, such as Cnemidaria horrida, are described as "Scaly Tree Ferns."
• The stem can be erect, sometimes short-creeping, with scales. In some species, it is smooth or with spines.
• Fronds are located only at the apex of the stem, arranged in a crown.
• Cnemidaria horrida has large, dark green, glossy leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cnemidaria species hybridize with Cyathea species to form the nothogenus Cyathidaria.

Further Information

• A taxonomic revision of the genus Cnemidaria (Cyatheaceae) was published by Robert G. Stolze in 1974.
• Explore more about Cnemidaria horrida on Discover Life and iNaturalist.org.
• Refer to the International Plant Names Index for information on Cnemidaria horrida.
• Consult the Polypodiopsida of North America Update database (version 2011) for information on Cnemidaria.