SafePlants

Japanese Climbing Fern and Old World Climbing Fern: A Closer Look

The genus Lygodium, commonly known as climbing ferns, encompasses around 40 species of ferns found predominantly in tropical regions worldwide, with some species extending into temperate zones of eastern Asia. This group of ferns is characterized by its unusual vine-like growth habit.

Considerations for Pets

• These ferns have wiry vines which may pose entanglement hazards for small pets.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Lygodium japonicum
• Common Name: Japanese climbing fern

• Scientific Name: Lygodium microphyllum
• Common Name: Old World climbing fern

• Scientific Name: Lygodium palmatum
• Common Name: American climbing fern

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Lygodium
• Family: Not explicitly stated in text.
• Lygodium scandens is occasionally referenced as alternative name for Lygodium microphyllum
• Synonym for Japanese climbing fern: Lygodium japonicum (Thunb. ex Murr.) Sw.

Distribution and Habitat

• Lygodium species are native to tropical regions across the world, with some temperate species in eastern Asia.
• Lygodium japonicum is native to eastern Asia, including Japan and Korea. It has also naturalized in Hawai'i.
• Lygodium microphyllum is native to Africa, southeastern Asia, northern and eastern Australia, and the Pacific islands. It was first found in south Florida.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Arkansas, Florida (Everglades, central Florida), Mississippi (Natchez).

Ecological Role

• Several Lygodium species, particularly Lygodium japonicum and Lygodium microphyllum, are considered invasive in certain regions, especially in the southeastern United States.
• They can smother native vegetation, block sunlight, and increase fire risk.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Lygodium species are perennial viney ferns with climbing and twining fronds.
• The vines (rachises) can grow up to 90 feet (30 meters) long.
• They have lacy, finely divided leaves.
• The vines can be green, orange, or black and are wiry.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions biological control efforts for Lygodium microphyllum using Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Brown Lygodium Moth).
• Lygodium microphyllum overgrows other vegetation.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA-APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
• The Nature Conservancy
• University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
• Early Detection &amp Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) - University of Georgia. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
• Florida Division of Plant Industry
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Dave's Garden
• UF/IFAS (University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)
• Everglades National Park