Drynaria coronans
Drynaria coronans · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Drynaria coronans, scientifically known as Drynaria coronans, is a fascinating epiphytic fern prized for its unique shield-like fronds. Often found in tropical forests, this resilient plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditional medicinal practices frequently utilize its rhizomes and leaves to treat various ailments, highlighting its profound therapeutic potential.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Rhizome
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Drynaria coronansDistribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of East Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central provinces as well as the southeastern coastal areas. It can also be found in the unique tropical environment of Hainan and the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. Beyond mainland China, the species extends its range into the Nansei-shoto islands. This diverse spread demonstrates the plant's ability to inhabit a variety of distinct ecological zones.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| China | China South-Central |
| China | Hainan |
| China | China Southeast |
| China | Tibet |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Drynaria coronans is characterized by its specialized growth habit as an obligatory epiphyte, meaning it relies on growing upon other plants for physical support to reach higher light intensities in forest canopies. The plant features a distinctive dimorphic leaf structure; it produces two types of fronds: fertile fronds, which are typically smaller and more upright to facilitate spore dispersal, and sterile, highly modified vegetative fronds known as nest leaves. These nest leaves are large, brown, papery, and recurved, forming a funnel-like structure designed to trap falling organic debris and moisture, which creates a self-contained substrate for nutrient uptake. The rhizome is creeping and scales-covered, providing a sturdy anchor to the host branch. The fertile fronds are pinnatifid to deeply pinnate, displaying a lush green coloration, while the overall architecture of the plant is defined by this complex arrangement of functional foliage that supports its specialized life cycle within the arboreal ecosystem.
- Epiphyte :
- obligatory
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Plant Parts
Drynaria coronans 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 rhizome.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rhizome | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Rhizome
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica