Blechnum brasiliense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Neoblechnum brasiliense
• Blechnopsis brasiliensis
• Blechnum corcovadense
• Blechnum fluminense
• Blechnum nigro-squamatum
• Blechnum validum
• Salpichlaena brasiliensis
• Spicanta brasiliensis
• Blechnum brasiliense f. multifida
• Blechnum brasiliense var. corcovadense

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Aspleniaceae and is identified by the genus Blechnum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans multiple continents and distinct ecological zones. In the Western Indian Ocean, its presence is recorded specifically in Mauritius. Moving across the Atlantic, it can be found in Mexico Central and throughout parts of Central America, including Belize and Guatemala. Additionally, the species extends into Northern South America, where it is located in Guyana. This wide distribution highlights the adaptability of the species across various tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Blechnum brasiliense is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1100 m AMSL, with a recorded mean elevation of 2200 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, inhabiting a diverse range of environments including Anthropogenic Areas (Área Antrópica), Seasonal Deciduous Forests (Floresta Estacional Decidual), and Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forests (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual). Furthermore, it thrives in humid environments such as Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila / Floresta Pluvial) and Mixed Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila Mista), indicating its ability to adapt to varying moisture levels and forest structures.

Elevational range max:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Blechnum brasiliense is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, typically supported by a robust rhizomatous structure. This phanerophyte life form allows it to persist through various environmental conditions, utilizing its elevated growth habit to compete effectively for light and resources within its habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Blechnum brasiliense is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, specifically functioning as a non-woody plant. It is a self-supporting organism that does not exhibit climbing behaviors such as liana or vine traits, nor does it function as an obligatory or facultative climber. The plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, spanning a range of environmental conditions including semiaquatic settings, rather than being an aquatic or epiphytic species (such as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte). Furthermore, it maintains an independent biological existence, showing no parasitic tendencies, and its structure lacks any woody tissue, consistent with its herbaceous nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Blechnum brasiliense has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, Isorinic acid, caffeoyl-4'-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, rosmarinic acid.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid

1. Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)

Isorinic acid

1. Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)

caffeoyl-4'-hydroxyphenyllactic acid

1. Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)

rosmarinic acid

1. Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)