ladder fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ladder fern, scientifically known as Nephrolepis cordifolia, is a versatile climbing fern prized for its lush, pinnate foliage. Beyond its ornamental beauty in tropical landscapes, this resilient plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is traditionally utilized in various cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating skin ailments and wounds.
Names
Common Names
- ladder fern
- tuber fern
- tuberous sword fern
- Boston fern
- Ladder Sword Fern
- Tuber Ladder Fern
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- helecho serrucho
French:
- Néphrolépide à feuilles cordées
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Nephrolepis cordifoliaSynonyms
- Nephrodium cordifolium
- Polypodium cordifolium
- Aspidium cordifolium
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, falling under the family Polypodiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Nephrolepis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Polypodiales | WCVP |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nephrolepis | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in both France and Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically within the territory of Italy. Additionally, the species is located within the Macaronesian islands. Within this archipelago, it inhabits both the Azores and Madeira.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
Chemicals
Nephrolepis cordifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fernene.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Fernene | In silico pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |