SafePlants

Giant Scrambling Fern

The term "Giant Scrambling Fern" generally refers to a large, sprawling fern that can form extensive patches, sometimes reaching up to 18 feet in height.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant's growth habit involves forming dense, tangled masses, which might pose an entanglement risk for small pets.
• Some related scrambling ferns have wiry rachis and midrib with leaflets like teeth of a saw, which could be a source of minor injury to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's size and scrambling nature could present a climbing hazard for young children.
• Some related scrambling ferns have wiry rachis and midrib with leaflets like teeth of a saw, which could be a source of minor injury to children.

Scientific Name and Synonyms

• Common Name: Giant Scrambling Fern
• Scientific Name: Diplopterygium longissimum (Synonym)
• Another species commonly referred to as a Scrambling Fern is Diplopterygium pinnatum.
• Coral Ferns are also described as scrambling ferns (Gleichenia dicarpa).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Gleicheniaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Group: Fern

Distribution and Habitat

• The Giant Scrambling Fern is found in the Pacific region and China.
• It can rapidly colonize disturbed land.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a large scrambling fern, forming large patches.
• Some related species have thin wiry rachis and midrib with leaflets like teeth of a saw.
• Rhizomes range from 1.5-3.5 mm in diameter, initially covered with dark blackish-brown lanceolate scales that have stiff, erect cilia.

Ecological Role

• Species of the genus Nephrolepis, which are scrambling ferns, can rapidly colonize disturbed land by means of its stolons.

Other Species to Consider

• Gleichenia microphylla (Scrambling Coral Fern)
• Hypolepis distans (Scrambling Ground-fern)
• Gleichenia dicarpa (Pouched Coral Fern, Tangle Fern)
• Selaginella willdenowii is a scrambling fern-ally with iridescent blue fronds.