Adiantum aethiopicum
Common Maidenhair Fern
Common Maidenhair Fern
Wikipedia links: Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Pteridaceae > Adiantum aethiopicum
Other links:
Related species: A aethiopicum A formosum A hispidulum A silvaticum
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
Habit:
A small fern
It grows in spreading clumps of fronds from 10 to 45 cm in height
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: