Adiantum aethiopicum

Location & distribution maps

Phylogeny & links to associated information

Wikipedia links:       Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Pteridaceae > Adiantum aethiopicum

Other links:    

Related species:   A aethiopicum   A formosum    A hispidulum   A silvaticum

Plant  information

Common name:         Common Maidenhair Fern

Conservation status: . . .

Etymology:   

• The specific epithet aethiopicum in this sense was the Latin term for Africa south of the then known world, that is to say, more or less Africa south of Egypt

• Genus name is from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet

Spores:                            

Leaves:         

• The fronds are horizontal and layered, or upright

• They are divided into two or three and have many small wedge-shaped segments, each of which has sori along its margins underneath

Stem & branches: 

Roots:         

• The rhizomes are wiry and branched

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Habit:        

• A small fern

• It grows in spreading clumps of fronds from 10 to 45 cm in height

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Habitat:   

• A common plant, often seen growing in moist areas

• In Australia it is found near by creeks or in open forest, where it may form a large colony

Distribution:                  

• Widespread distribution, occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand

• In South Africa the species occurs widely, though not generally profusely, mainly on moist sandstone cliffs in full shade

• In the Cape Peninsula it is uncommon and grows mainly at the highest locally available altitudes, generally about 600–1,085 m 

Additional notes:     

• Taxonomy 

  • Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 175

• Uses

  • The 1889 book 'The Useful Native Plants of Australia’ records that:

    • This plant is said to possess medicinal properties, being slightly astringent and emetic

    • It has been used in Europe in making "Sirop de Capt'llaire," a demulcent drink, employed in diseases of the chest

• Cultivation

  • Adiantum aethiopicum is a popular and well known ornamental plant

  • Propagation is from plant division or by spores

  • In cultivation the Maidenhair fern prefers a well-lit situation inside, but a shady place outdoors without draughts

  • It is suitable for terrariums and hanging baskets

  • It is fairly easy to grow, and will flourish in moist garden soil or potting mix

Sources of information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_aethiopicum (2023)