Old World Climbing Fern

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Old World climbing fern
• climbing-maidenhair fern
• small-leaf climbing fern

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ugena microphylla
• Lygodium scandens var. microphyllum
• Ophioglossum filiforme

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Lygodium microphyllum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae, it is classified under the order Schizaeales. Finally, it falls into the family Schizaeaceae and is identified by the genus Lygodium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence has been documented across several distinct countries, including Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species can be found in the coastal and inland areas of Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The geographical range also extends to include the nation of Guinea. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the tropical environments of West Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lygodium microphyllum is characterized by its presence within forest fringe habitats, where it thrives in the transitional zones between dense woodland and more open areas. This species is specifically adapted to low-lying coastal or alluvial environments, occupying a narrow elevational range that begins at 10 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 50 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

50 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

10 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest fringe

Life history

The life history of Lygodium microphyllum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions as a cryptophyte, specifically exhibiting a geophyte life form, which implies that its perennuating buds or organs are located underground or at the soil surface to survive unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present throughout much of its existence rather than shedding all leaves seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lygodium microphyllum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, specifically functioning as an obligatory liana. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or epiphytic tendencies, maintaining an independent lifestyle without parasitic behavior. The plant displays a significant vertical range in height, with individual specimens varying from a minimum of 0 m to a maximum of 15 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 7 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Plant height min:

0 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lygodium microphyllum is characterized by specialized metabolic processes adapted to its growth in shaded, humid understory environments. As a fern, its physiological activity is heavily reliant on moisture regulation and efficient light capture through its finely dissected fronds to facilitate photosynthesis under low-light conditions. Unlike many vascular plants that form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric gases into usable nutrients, Lygodium microphyllum is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules or biological mechanisms required for the nitrogen_fix_1 process. Consequently, its nitrogen acquisition is entirely dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil through its rhizome and root systems. Its physiological survival is further dictated by its ability to manage transpiration rates in high-humidity microclimates, ensuring that nutrient transport remains consistent even when light intensity is minimal.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Lygodium microphyllum is primarily driven by the production and dispersal of spores, characteristic of many pteridophytes. The reproductive cycle involves an alternation of generations, transitioning between a dominant sporophyte phase and a microscopic gametophyte phase. Within the sporophyte, specialized structures known as sporangia are located on the underside of the fertile fronds, where they produce spores through meiosis. Upon maturation, these spores are released into the environment to germinate into prothalli. Regarding the genetic mechanisms of the gametophyte stage, the presence of self-fertilization is a documented trait, meaning that the process of self-fertilization is present, allowing for reproductive success even in instances where individual plants are isolated. This ability to facilitate self-fertilization ensures the continuity of the species across varying ecological landscapes.

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Journal of experimental pharmacology

Activities

Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.

Hepatoprotective

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Conditions

Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Preparations

Lygodium microphyllum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract.

Ethanol extract

1. Journal of experimental pharmacology