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leathery grapefern

Scientific Name: Botrychium multifidum

Family: Ophioglossaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IA (leathery grapefern), IL (northern grape fern),

       

Leathery Grapefern (Botrychium multifidum)

The leathery grapefern, a member of the Botrychium genus, is a fascinating fern species with a wide distribution. It is known for its distinctive leathery fronds and unique growth habit.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant having "leathery and sparsely hairy fronds," which could be a texture some animals are interested in.
  • The plant is described as having overlapping pinnae. It is a good idea to monitor your pet to ensure it does not ingest any of the plant.
  • The plant has a "leathery" texture, which may mean it is tough to chew.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the plant having "leathery and sparsely hairy fronds," which could be a texture some children are interested in.
  • The plant is described as having overlapping pinnae. It is a good idea to monitor any children near the plant.
  • The plant has a "leathery" texture, which may mean it is tough to chew.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Botrychium multifidum (S.G. Gmel.) Trevis.
  • Family: Ophioglossaceae (Adder's-tongue family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: Sceptridium multifidum (S.G. Gmelin) M. Nishida, Botrychium multifidum (S. G. Gmelin) Ruprecht
  • Common Names: Leathery grapefern, Leather-leaved grapefern, Broadleaf grapefern, Leather grapefern

Distribution and Habitat

  • The leathery grapefern is found in New England and Minnesota, and east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.
  • It is also noted to be known from 20 locations in the USDA Forest Service (USFS) Region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plants typically range from 10-45 cm in height.
  • The trophophore (sterile frond) is shiny green, leathery, and evergreen.
  • The trophophore can be 4-40 cm long, wider than long, with up to 10 pairs of 1 to 2 times pinnate, overlapping pinnae.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Botrychium comes from the Greek word "botrus" (or "botrys"), meaning "grape," referring to the grape-like clusters of spore-bearing structures.
  • The term "multifidum" is derived from the Latin "multifidus," meaning "multiply divided," describing the frond's structure.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Botrychium multifidum.
  • USDA Plants database lists the species code as BOMU.