SafePlants

Asplenium erosum - Eared Spleenwort

Asplenium erosum, commonly known as Eared Spleenwort or Auricled Spleenwort, is a fascinating fern with unique characteristics and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• As a fern, Asplenium erosum is sometimes grown in homes or gardens.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Asplenium erosum L.
• Common Names: Eared Spleenwort, Auricled Spleenwort
• Genus: Asplenium (spleenworts)
• Family: Aspleniaceae (spleenwort family)
• Synonyms: Asplenium auritum Sw., Asplenium marinum var. auritculatum Hook. f.
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted species

Distribution and Habitat

• Eared Spleenwort is found in Southern America.
• In central and south Florida, it thrives as an epiphyte, often found on the slanting trunks or limbs of mature live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) and Pop Ash trees.
• Historically found in Sumter County, but later extirpated, with Fakahatchee Strand being one of the few remaining locations.

Morphological Characteristics

• Eared Spleenwort is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• The rhizome is erect to sub-erect, up to 10 mm, with dark brown scales (up to 6 mm) that are entire and attenuate.
• The fronds are tufted, not proliferous, and dimorphic.
• Leaflets are basally auricled (with eared lobes) on their upper sides, giving them an asymmetrical appearance. The auricles are narrowly deltate.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Modest spleenwort hybridizes with cutleaf spleenwort (Asplenium abscissum).

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asplenium auritum var bipinnatifidum.
• Dave's Garden provides tips and ideas from a community of gardeners.
• Additional information can be found at Botanic Gardens and Botanical .
• Articles may be located in the Fern Gazette.