autumn fern

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Japanese shield fern
• autumn fern

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dryopteris oblongipinnula
• Dryopteris remotipinnula
• Dryopteris sinoerythrosora
• Dryopteris squamistipes
• Lastrea erythrosora
• Lastrea prolifica
• Nephrodium erythrosorum
• Nephrodium prolificum
• Nephrodium prolificum
• Aspidium prolificum
• Dryopteris bulligera
• Dryopteris distantipinna
• Dryopteris linyingensis
• Dryopteris erythrosora f. viridisora
• Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica
• Dryopteris erythrosora var. viridisora
• Aspidium erythrosorum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Polypodiinae, falling within the order Polypodiales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Polypodiaceae and is specifically categorized under the genus Dryopteris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several different continents. In Northern Europe, its presence can be specifically noted within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Its range extends significantly eastward into the vast landscapes of China. Within this Asian region, it is established in both China South-Central and China Southeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dryopteris erythrosora is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located near or just above the soil surface. This life strategy is further detailed through its dual classification as both a chamaephyte and a geophyte, indicating its reliance on underground or surface-level structures to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. As a perennial fern, its life cycle involves the development of rhizomes that remain protected near the ground, allowing for seasonal regrowth and persistence in its natural habitat. This specific life form enables the plant to navigate seasonal fluctuations by maintaining its vital organs close to the substrate, ensuring its ability to emerge and flourish when conditions become favorable.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Dryopteris erythrosora is characterized by its growth habit and structural composition, functioning primarily as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte, with its life cycle being strictly terrestrial in nature. Structurally, the plant is entirely non-woody, lacking any lignified tissues or woody stems, which is typical for many members of the fern lineage. This non-woody constitution allows for a more flexible, herbaceous structure that supports its fronds and reproductive organs within its natural habitat.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dryopteris erythrosora has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Food chemistry

Stem

1. Food chemistry

Chemicals

Dryopteris erythrosora has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, polyphenols.

Flavonoids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

polyphenols

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Activities

Dryopteris erythrosora has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer.

Antibacterial

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Anticancer

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Preparations