Nilgiri Tree Fern
Alsophila nilgirensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nilgiri Tree Fern, scientifically known as Alsophila nilgirensis, is a rare and distinctive fern species native to the high-altitude shola forests of the Western Ghats. Valued for its unique morphology, this plant holds significant botanical interest and potential medicinal properties, playing a vital role in its fragile montane ecosystem.
- Family
- Cyatheaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Nilgiri Tree Fern
- Scientific synonyms
- Cyathea Schmidiana · Alsophila Latebrosa Var. Schmidiana · 2 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Nilgiri Tree Fern
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Alsophila nilgirensisSynonyms
- Cyathea schmidiana
- Alsophila latebrosa var. schmidiana
- Cyathea nilgirensis var. lobata
- Cyathea nilgirensis
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Alsophila nilgirensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it is classified under the order Cyatheales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cyatheaceae and is categorized under the genus Alsophila.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Cyatheales |
| Family | Cyatheaceae |
| Genus | Alsophila |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Alsophila nilgirensis, possesses a very specific and limited range of occurrence. Its geographical distribution is primarily concentrated within the Indian Subcontinent. More specifically, this medicinal species is found natively only in India. It thrives within certain ecological niches unique to the Indian landscape. Consequently, its presence is restricted to this particular regional territory.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Alsophila nilgirensis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cytotoxic
- Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies