Asplenium scolopendrium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known as Asplenium scolopendrium, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern regions of Europe. Its presence is well-documented in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Furthermore, the species can be found growing within the unique landscapes of the Faroe Islands. It is also widely distributed throughout the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range extends further north into the rugged terrain of Norway.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Asplenium scolopendrium is characterized by its preference for specific microhabitats and a distinct altitudinal distribution. This species typically thrives in shaded rocks, where the moisture-retaining properties of the stone and the protection from direct sunlight create an ideal environment for its growth. Regarding its vertical distribution, the plant occupies an elevational range starting from 0 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 200 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

shaded rocks

Life history

The life history of Asplenium scolopendrium is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its habitat over many successive growing seasons. Morphologically, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at the soil surface or just below it, protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This growth habit facilitates its ability to establish stable populations in shaded, moist environments, where it can maintain its presence through long-term vegetative persistence and seasonal regrowth.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Asplenium scolopendrium is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence. It is primarily a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a relatively low profile, with a height that ranges from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 0.325 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.325 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Asplenium scolopendrium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, reflecting its adaptation to shaded, moist environments. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying on autotrophic carbon fixation. Its foliage is morphologically defined by an oblong leaf form, with individual leaves typically ranging in length from a minimum of 10 cm to a maximum of 40 cm. The width of these leaves varies between 3 cm and 7 cm, contributing to an average leaf size of approximately 153.85 cm². Furthermore, the plant maintains a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 176.33 cm²/g, a physiological metric that describes the efficiency of its leaf tissue in terms of area produced per unit of dry mass.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf form :

oblong

Leaf length max:

40 cm

Leaf length min:

10 cm

Leaf size mean:

153.85 cm²

Leaf width max:

7 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

176.33 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Asplenium scolopendrium is characterized by specific seasonal and biological patterns. While it does not exhibit asexual reproduction, as this trait is noted as absent, its reproductive cycle is governed by environmental factors. The flowering process, which in this context refers to the spore-bearing stage, typically begins in July and reaches its conclusion in August. The pollination syndrome is classified as abiotic, primarily relying on wind for the movement of reproductive elements. Following this process, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning the spores or reproductive units are dispersed by the wind to colonize new habitats. In terms of reproductive structures, the fruit type is categorized as "other," as it does not conform to standard angiosperm fruit definitions like capsules or berries due to its pteridophyte nature.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit type :

other

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Asplenium scolopendrium has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Asplenium scolopendrium has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Fitoterapia