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golden leatherfern

Scientific Name: Acrostichum aureum

Family: Pteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (golden leather fern)

       

Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum)

The Golden Leather Fern, scientifically known as Acrostichum aureum, is a large fern species often found in mangrove swamps and other wetland environments. It is also commonly known as the Coast Leather Fern, Mangrove Fern, Coarse Swamp Fern, and Swamp Fern. In Vietnamese, it is called Rng or Rng ??i, and in the Philippines, it's known as Paku Laut, Piai Raya, or Larat.

Considerations for Pets

  • While toxicity isn't explicitly stated in the provided text, it is a good idea to keep in mind the plant's natural habitat, which can harbor insects and other organisms.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acrostichum aureum L.
  • Family: Pteridaceae
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Coast Leather Fern, Mangrove Fern, Coarse Swamp Fern, Swamp Fern, Paku Laut, Piai Raya, Larat.

Distribution and Habitat

The Golden Leather Fern is pantropical and can be found in various locations worldwide, including:

  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cameroon
  • Cayman Islands
  • South Florida (rare, specifically in southwest Florida)
  • Vietnam

It thrives in coastal mangrove swamps, salt marshes, low hammocks, and along lake and canal margins.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The Golden Leather Fern is a large fern, growing as an understory plant in mangrove forests and wetlands.
  • Mature plants can measure approximately 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4-6 feet) in height.
  • It can be found as a small shrub in boggy conditions.
  • The plant has large fronds with golden yellow sporangia covering the undersides.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The golden leather fern exhibits antifeedant activity against the Asian armyworm (Spodoptera litura).

Further Information

For more information and photos, you can explore resources such as:

  • ARKive
  • Dave's Garden
  • Philippine Herbal Medicine / StuartXchange
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden