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forest spleenwort

Scientific Name: Asplenium contiguum var. hirtulum

Family: Aspleniaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Forest Spleenwort (Asplenium contiguum)

The Forest Spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium contiguum, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Asplenium. Several varieties and related species exist, including Asplenium contiguum var. contiguum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asplenium contiguum Kaulf.
  • Common Name: Forest Spleenwort
  • Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort Family)
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Asplenium contiguum var. contiguum
    • Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort)
    • Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Spleenwort)
    • Asplenium onopteris
    • Asplenium hookerianum (maidenhair spleenwort)
    • Asplenium aethiopicum (African Spleenwort)
    • Asplenium normale (Rain Forest Spleenwort)
    • Asplenium oblongifolium (Shining Spleenwort)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Forest Spleenworts are found in various locations, including:
    • Makawao Forest Reserve, Maui
    • Gwydir Forest, Conwy county borough
    • New Forest (UK)
    • Royal Forest of Dean near Coleford
    • Acid peatlands, cold coniferous forests, and acidic rocky slopes

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) is described as a small fern that grows in tufts on rocks, old walls, and mossy branches.
  • Green spleenwort has short, creeping rhizomes.

Ecological Role

  • Japanese false spleenwort (Deparia petersenii) is listed as an invasive species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems.
  • Some spleenworts, like forked spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale), are found on metal-rich soils associated with former mine sites.

Quirky Facts

  • The Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) can be found growing in tufts on rocks, old walls, and mossy branches.
  • Forked spleenwort is associated with calaminarian assemblages on metal-rich soils in Gwydir Forest.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asplenium contiguum.
  • BioLib.cz contains information about Asplenium.
  • NatureServe provides conservation status information.
  • iNaturalist.org offers classifications of the plant.