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black spleenwort
Scientific Name: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
Family: Aspleniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum)
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, commonly known as black spleenwort, is a species of fern with a wide distribution. This page provides information about its taxonomy, distribution, morphology, and more.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that a number of spleenworts are used in natural medicine.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L.
- Common Name: Black Spleenwort
- Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort Fern Family)
- Synonyms: A. cuneifollium auct. non Viv.
Distribution and Habitat
- Primarily found in Africa, Europe, and Eurasia.
- Introduced species in the continental United States, occurring in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
- Grows out of walls and banks.
- Found in wall crevices.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Plant has a short rhizome.
- Produces tufts of firm, triangular, shiny, dark green evergreen fronds.
- Fronds are 10 to 40 cm long.
- Fronds are once to three times pinnate.
- The base of the stipe (stem) is black or dark brown.
Distinguishing Features
- Easily confused with Parsley Fern, but Black Spleenwort has two grooves on the upper surface of the mid-rib, while Parsley Fern has only one.
- Similar to Irish spleenwort or Western Black Spleenwort (Asplenium onopteris), but can be difficult to identify.
- The most similar species in Illinois is Black Spleenwort (Asplenium resiliens).
Quirky Facts
- The name "spleenwort" alludes to a likeness to Maidenhair Fern or to its similarly medicinal uses.
- The plant is called black spleenwort because the base of its stem (stipe) is black or dark brown.
Further Information
- Wolfram Web Resources: Mathematica
- APHOTOFLORA - Photographic Stock Library