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snakefern
Scientific Name: Microgramma
Family: Polypodiaceae
Category: Fern
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Snake Fern
The term "snake fern" refers to several different fern species, often characterized by their distinctive appearance or growth habits.
Common Names
- Snake Fern
- Climbing Maidenhair
- Climbing Maidenhair Fern
- Clubmoss Snakefern
- Clinging Snakefern
- Hard Fern
- Deer Fern
- Rusty Back Fern
Scientific Names and Taxonomy
- Lygodium microphyllum (synonyms: Lygodium scandens, Lygodium scandens var microphyllum, Ugena microphylla)
- Microgramma lycopodioides
- Microgramma heterophylla
- Microgramma piloselloides (Hairy Snakefern)
- Blechnum spicant (Hard fern)
- Polypodium vulgare (Snake-fern, synonym for Common Polypody, Golden Polypody)
- Phymatodes diyersifolia (Snake fern, synonym for Tongue Fern)
- Family: Polypodiaceae (for Lygodium and Microgramma species)
- Family: Ophioglossaceae (for Botrychium virginianum aka Rattle-snake Fern)
Note: The text mentions different snake ferns in two families, so this is not a single plant.
Distribution and Habitat
- Widespread in the Old World (tropics).
- Naturalized in Jamaica and Florida.
- Also found in Mexico, Central and South America (for Microgramma lycopodioides).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Some species are climbing, as indicated by the synonyms "climbing maidenhair".
- Microgramma lycopodioides (Clubmoss Snakefern) shows close-up of sori.
- *Blechnum spicant* also known as Hard fern, Deer fern, Rusty Back fern.
- Polypodium vulgare also known as Common Polypody, Golden Polypody, Snake-fern, has young fronds.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Found growing on soil, stones, and shrubs (with lichens)
Quirky Facts
- "Snake fern" print used on medium weight cotton lycra leggings.
- There's a time lapse video of a "Dancing Snake Fern".