No images found for this plant ID: 27805.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "27805" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
smooth potato fern
Scientific Name: Marattia laevis
Family: Marattiaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Smooth Potato Fern (Marattia laevis)
The Smooth Potato Fern, scientifically known as Marattia laevis, is also commonly referred to as Potato Fern. It is a forb/herb, which means it is a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has fleshy, green, smooth stems which might attract the interest of pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Marattia laevis Sm.
- Accepted Name: Eupodium laevis (Sm.) Murdock
- Synonyms: The original nomenclature reference is Pl. Ic. ined. 2. t. 47 . 1790 Gmel. Syst. Nat. 2 2. 1294. 1791. 1790.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Genus: Marattia
Distribution and Habitat
- The Smooth Potato Fern is native to some regions and introduced to others, as indicated by distribution maps and status reports. (Absent/Unreported/Native/Introduced)
Morphological Characteristics
- This fern is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.
- The related potato fern (Marattia oreades) has weeping fronds up to 2m long.
- Marattia laevis has erect, fleshy, green, smooth stems that are swollen at the base.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page with information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Marattia laevis.
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has information related to this plant.
- Commonwealth Listing Advice for Norfolk Island Flora provides information on the conservation status of related species like Marattia salicina.