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glossy maidenhair
Scientific Name: Adiantum pulverulentum
Family: Pteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Adiantum pulverulentum - Glossy Maidenhair
Adiantum pulverulentum, commonly known as Glossy Maidenhair, is a species of fern belonging to the genus Adiantum. These ferns are admired for their delicate appearance and glossy foliage, making them popular as ornamental plants.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has soft, lacy foliage and black glossy stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Adiantum pulverulentum L.
- Common Name: Glossy Maidenhair
- Family: Pteridaceae Ching (also mentioned as simply Pteridaceae)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Adiantum apiculatum Schrad., Adiantum claussenii Fe
- The genus Adiantum is part of the Vittarioideae subfamily, although some researchers disagree on this classification.
Distribution and Habitat
- Originates from the Andean tropics.
- Widespread elsewhere, including the Caribbean.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Glossy Maidenhair is a forb/herb, specifically a non-woody perennial plant.
- It is a small tufted plant with a short-creeping, often branched rhizome.
- Fronds are supported by blackish glossy stalks and midribs.
- The green fronds are narrow and long.
- Glossy green, fan-shaped fronds emerge from dark brown stems, forming a tuft up to 30cm high.
- New foliage may appear pink.
Quirky Facts
- Maidenhair ferns are described as growing "in a way that is utterly different from that of any other herb".
- The seemingly fragile, thin, glossy black, upright stems are often admired.
Additional Information
- The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) invites contributions of articles about Adiantum pulverulentum.
- Discover Life also provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of this species.