Adiantum abscissum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known as Adiantum abscissuim, exhibits a wide presence throughout the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its distribution spans across the lush environments found in the Brazil West-Central region. Additionally, the species can be located within the varied ecosystems of the Brazil Northeast. It is also documented to grow within the humid territories of the Brazil Southeast. Finally, the plant extends its reach into the southern reaches of the country, specifically in the Brazil South region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Adiantum abscissuim is characterized by its preference for the humid environments of the Floresta Ombrófila (equivalent to Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives within the moist and shaded conditions of the tropical rainforest. This species occupies a specific altitudinal niche, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 500 m AMSL. Within these lowland and foothills tropical forests, it relies on the consistent moisture and stable microclimates provided by the dense canopy and high precipitation typical of these ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Adiantum abscissum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived species, it maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, typically thriving in stable, moist environments where it can establish robust rhizomatous structures. This perennial lifecycle enables the plant to undergo seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy, building energy reserves within its underground systems to support the emergence of new fronds. Unlike annuals or biennials that complete their life cycle in a single or two-year period, Adiantum abscissum focuses on long-term survival and gradual expansion, often forming dense colonies over time through vegetative spreading and spore production.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Adiantum abscissum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a delicate and refined structure. It is primarily a terrestrial species, existing independently without parasitic tendencies, and functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, liana, or vine. Eschewing epiphytic lifestyles such as holoepiphytism or hemiepiphytism, it maintains a stable presence on the ground. Its physical constitution is entirely non-woody, lacking the structural rigidity of shrubs or trees, which allows it to maintain its herbaceous habit within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Adiantum abscissum has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7-Fernene, Adiantone, Adipedatol, Fernene, Filicenal.

7-Fernene

1. Dr. Duke

Adiantone

1. Dr. Duke

Adipedatol

1. Dr. Duke

Fernene

1. Dr. Duke

Filicenal

1. Dr. Duke

Filicene

1. Dr. Duke

Isofernene

1. Dr. Duke

Neohopa-11,13(18)-diene

1. Dr. Duke

Neohopene

1. Dr. Duke

ferna-7,9(11)-diene

1. Dr. Duke