Dicranopteris linearis

Dicranopteris linearis, commonly known as the linear fern, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to various subtropical regions. Valued in traditional healing practices, it possesses unique phytochemical properties. This fern is often studied for its potential therapeutic applications, offering promising insights into natural pharmacology and holistic wellness strategies.

  • Scientific name: Dicranopteris linearis
  • Family: Gleicheniaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Gleicheniales. Finally, it is a member of the family Gleicheniaceae and falls under the genus Dicranopteris.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Polypodiinae WCVP
Order Gleicheniales WCVP
Family Gleicheniaceae WCVP
Genus Dicranopteris WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Dicranopteris linearis, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is known as 铁芒萁 (zh-hans), 鐵芒萁 (zh-hant), and 鐵芒萁 (zh-hk). In Japan, it is called コシダ (ja), while in Indonesia, it is commonly known as Resam (id).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 铁芒萁 Wikidata
zh-hant 鐵芒萁 Wikidata
zh-hk 鐵芒萁 Wikidata
ja コシダ Wikidata
id Resam Wikidata
zh 鐵芒萁 Wikidata
zh-tw 芒萁 Wikidata
ace Reusam Wikidata
ms Resam Wikidata
zh-cn 铁芒萁 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is found across several nations within the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its natural habitat includes the coastal and inland areas of Ghana and Guinea. It also thrives within the tropical landscapes of the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Furthermore, the distribution extends into the diverse ecosystems found in Nigeria. Together, these locations define the primary geographical range for Dicranopteris linearis.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Equatorial Guinea WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dicranopteris linearis, is primarily characterized by its specialized leaf structures, which serve as the main focus for medicinal interest. The leaves are typically linear or narrow in shape, often featuring distinctive serrated or lobed margins that are characteristic of the species. In traditional medicinal practices, these leaves are frequently harvested and prepared in various forms, such as decoctions or infusions, to utilize their bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dicranopteris linearis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antinociceptive.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dicranopteris linearis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆