Adiantum incisum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae. Within the order Polypodiales, it is classified under the family Pteridaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Adiantum and the species name incisum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Adiantum incisum, exhibits a specific geographical range spanning several regions. In the Macaronesian islands, its presence is recorded in Cape Verde. Its distribution extends significantly into West Tropical Africa across multiple nations. Specifically, it can be found growing in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. Furthermore, the species is also documented within the borders of Togo.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Adiantum incisum is characterized by its specific distribution within montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche. This species thrives within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 610 m AMSL to a maximum of 1400 m AMSL. Within these altitudinal boundaries, its presence is typically dictated by the availability of moisture and the specific microclimates found in shaded or rocky habitats common to these mid-elevation zones. The plant's ability to persist across this 790-meter gradient suggests an adaptability to varying atmospheric pressures and temperature fluctuations characteristic of these tropical or subtropical montane ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

610 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Adiantum incisum is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a lithophyte, its life cycle is intimately tied to its specialized growth habit, where it thrives by anchoring itself to rocky substrates and stony surfaces rather than traditional soil. This adaptation allows the plant to exploit niche microhabitats where moisture and mineral nutrients are available within rock crevices, shaping its long-term survival strategy within its natural environment.

Life form :

lithophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Adiantum incisum is characterized by its growth as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a self-supporting habit rather than functioning as a climber or liana. It maintains a relatively low stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.2 m. This species is classified as an independent plant, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it functions as a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte or an aquatic plant, although it can occupy semiaquatic niches. Its overall structure is defined by its herbaceous form, lacking any woody components.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.2 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Adiantum incisum is characterized by a highly flexible flowering period that can vary depending on environmental conditions. The onset of the flowering stage is quite broad, with the potential to begin as early as January or February, though it frequently sees a significant presence starting in March. This reproductive cycle continues through the warmer months, with the flowering period typically concluding around August, although the specific end date remains variable across different climates and seasons. This extended window of activity ensures a sustained opportunity for the plant to complete its reproductive processes throughout the year.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Adiantum incisum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal.

Antifungal

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Conditions

Adiantum incisum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Aspergillus niger.

Aspergillus niger

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Preparations

Adiantum incisum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences