Mariana Maiden Fern
Macrothelypteris torresiana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (10 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Mariana Maiden Fern, scientifically known as Macrothelypteris torresiana, is a remarkable medicinal plant valued for its unique therapeutic properties. Often found in lush, tropical habitats, this fern is traditionally utilized in various herbal remedies to support holistic wellness, offering a fascinating intersection between botanical beauty and natural healing potential.
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Rhizome · Root
- Common names
- Mariana Maiden Fern · Torre'S Fern
- Scientific synonyms
- Phegopteris Oligophlebia · Thelypteris Oligophlebia · 47 more
Names
Common Names
- Mariana Maiden Fern
- Torre's Fern
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Helecho afroasiático
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Macrothelypteris torresianaSynonyms
- Phegopteris oligophlebia
- Thelypteris oligophlebia
- Dryopteris elegans
- Macrothelypteris changshaensis
- Phegopteris alsophiloides
- Phegopteris trichodes
- Polypodium balansae
- Polypodium russelianum
- Polypodium tenericaule
- Polystichum torresianum
- Thelypteris uliginosa
- Lastrea tenericaulis
- Lastrea torresiana
- Macrothelypteris torresiana monstr. lophaea
- Polypodium trichodes
- Nephrodium tenericaule
- Lastrea oligophlebia var. lasiocarpa
- Dryopteris oligophlebia var. lasiocarpa
- Macrothelypteris oligophlebia
- Macrothelypteris oligophlebia var. elegans
- Thelypteris oligophlebia var. elegans
- Thelypteris torresiana var. calvata
- Dryopteris alsophiloides
- Dryopteris lasiocarpa
- Dryopteris mollissima
- Hypolepis trichodes
- Lastrea cosmopolita
- Lastrea flaccida
- Aspidium tenericaule
- Aspidium uliginosum
- Aspidium leucopis
- Aspidium mollissimum
- Aspidium oligophlebium
- Dryopteris oligophlebia
- Lastrea oligophlebia
- Nephrodium oligophlebium
- Macrothelypteris oligophlebia var. changshaensis
- Dryopteris tenericaulis
- Thelypteris oligophlebia var. lasiocarpa
- Polystichum oligophlebium
- Lastrea oligophlebia var. elegans
- Macrothelypteris torresiana var. calvata
- Thelypteris torresiana
- Thelypteris uliginosa var. elegans
- Hypolepis punctata var. henryi
- Dryopteris oligophlebia var. lophaea
- Nephrodium setigerum var. calvatum
- Thelypteris lasiocarpa
- Dryopteris trichodes
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 specifically identified by the genus Macrothelypteris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Aspleniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Macrothelypteris | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the southern hemisphere. Within Southern Africa, it can be found inhabiting the Cape Provinces as well as the KwaZulu-Natal area. Its presence extends significantly into the Western Indian Ocean, where it thrives in various island ecosystems. Specifically, it is documented in the Comoros and on the island of Mauritius. Furthermore, the species has a notable distribution within Madagascar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Seychelles | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Macrothelypteris torresiana, possesses a distinct structural organization consisting of several functional components. Its underground system is characterized by specialized rhizomes that facilitate vegetative spreading and nutrient storage, alongside a network of roots that anchor the organism and facilitate the absorption of water and minerals from the substrate. Above the ground, the aerial part comprises the visible foliage and reproductive structures, which are essential for photosynthesis and the continuation of its life cycle within its natural habitat.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Macrothelypteris torresiana has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Protoapigenone, DEDC, apigenin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Protoapigenone | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| DEDC | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Protoapigenone
- Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
- Fitoterapia
DEDC
- Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA
apigenin
- Fitoterapia
Medicinal Uses
Macrothelypteris torresiana has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, neuroblastoma.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuroblastoma | Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| DEDC | Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| M. torresiana extract | Fitoterapia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |