SafePlants

Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum) and Giant Leather Fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium)

This page provides information about two closely related ferns: the golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) and the giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium). Both are large fern species, often found in wet environments.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• These ferns, especially the giant leather fern, can grow to a substantial size (up to 12 feet tall and wide), which might be a consideration for smaller spaces or active children.
• The fronds (leaves) are described as "stout" and "leathery," suggesting a potentially tough texture.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acrostichum aureum (Golden Leather Fern), Acrostichum danaeifolium (Giant Leather Fern)
• Common Names: Golden leather fern, giant leather fern, leather fern, inland leather fern.
• Family: Pteridaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Acrostichum excelsum
  • Acrostichum lomarioides

Distribution and Habitat

• These ferns are found in mangrove swamps and other wet locations.
• Acrostichum aureum is native to Florida.
• They are distributed across a wide geographical area, including:
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cameroon
  • Cayman Islands
  • Mexico (Yucatán)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• These ferns are large, with Acrostichum aureum typically reaching 4 to 8 feet in height, and Acrostichum danaeifolium potentially reaching up to 12 feet.
• The fronds of Acrostichum aureum are pinnately compound and can be 3 to 6 feet long.
• Rumohra adiantiformis, often called leather fern, has tufted, pinnate fronds that are shiny and dark green, measuring 12-24 inches long and 5-8 inches wide.
• The plants are clumping ferns.
• The fronds of some species are described as dark green, glossy, leathery, and triangular, with dissected segments.

Ecological Role

• They are understory ferns that occur in mangrove forests and other wetlands.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Acrostichum danaeifolium can serve as a host plant for moth larvae, which may subsequently be colonized by ants.

Quirky Facts

• Leather fern foliage is a staple green for many floral designers and is graded by its quality.

Further Information

• ARKive (for photos and facts about Acrostichum aureum)
• Dave's Garden
• Encyclopedia of Life (for comprehensive information about Acrostichum aureum)
• RHS (for information on Rumohra adiantiformis)
• American Fern Journal