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Knudsen's birdnest fern
Scientific Name: Asplenium polyodon var. knudsenii
Family: Aspleniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Asplenium polyodon var. knudsenii
Also known as Knudsen's Birdnest Fern, this plant belongs to the fern group.
Considerations for Pets
- Several species of epiphytic ferns in the Asplenium genus are referred to by the common name "Bird's-nest fern".
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asplenium polyodon G. Forst. var. knudsenii (Hillebr.) Morton
- Common Name: Knudsen's Birdnest Fern
- Family: Aspleniaceae
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on it being a plant)
- Taxonomic Rank: Variety
- Synonyms:
- Asplenium knudsenii Hbd.
- Asplenium polyodon var. nitidulum (Skottsb.) Morton
- Taxon ID: 192134
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Hawai'i.
- Observed at Makawao Forest Reserve, Maui.
Morphological Characteristics
- Classified as a Forb/herb.
- Perennial plant.
- Medium size, reaching up to 15 cm in height.
- Maintains a green color throughout the spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Ecological Role
- Bird's nest ferns in rainforest canopies can act as climate-contingent refuges for frogs.
Taxonomic Classification
- Class: Polypodiopsida – leptosporangiate ferns
- Subclass: Polypodiidae C.V. Morton – Knudsen's birdnest fern
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mentioned as a site where birds nest and roost (related to Asplenium nidus).
- In rainforest canopies, Asplenium bird's nest ferns can act as climate-contingent refuges for frogs.
Further Information
- Referenced in "Hawai'i's Ferns and Fern Allies" by Palmer (2003).
- Specimen discovered by Mr. Augustus Knudsen of Kaua'i, documented by Rock (1919).
- Mentioned by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Australian New Crops Web Site.