ladder fern

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• ladder fern
• tuber fern
• tuberous sword fern
• Boston fern
• Ladder Sword Fern
• Tuber Ladder Fern

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nephrodium cordifolium
• Polypodium cordifolium
• Aspidium cordifolium

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Nephrolepis cordifolia is characterized by a broad environmental adaptability, allowing it to thrive across a diverse range of elevations and complex ecosystems. It inhabits a wide altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 2800 m AMSL, with a mean elevational presence at approximately 1750 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity, establishing itself in various environments including anthropized areas (Área Antrópica), high-altitude fields (Campo de Altitude), and riparian settings such as riparian forests or galleries (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria). Furthermore, it is frequently found within diverse forest types, spanning from terra firme forests (Floresta de Terra Firme) to ombrophilous forests, including both rain forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial) and mixed ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila Mista).

Elevational range max:

2800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Campo de Altitude, Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Nephrolepis cordifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence in its habitat. As a perennial, it avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead utilizing its robust rhizome system to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and regrow during favorable periods. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to undergo repeated cycles of vegetative expansion and reproductive efforts. The lifecycle involves the development of fronds from underground creeping rhizomes, which facilitate both asexual spreading and the eventual production of spores. These spores are released from sori located on the underside of the mature fronds, initiating the gametophyte stage which is essential for sexual reproduction and the continued propagation of the species across its ecological range.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Nephrolepis cordifolia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, typically reaching a maximum plant height of 0.5 m. It functions as a self-supporting plant, exhibiting neither climbing nor liana-like tendencies, and operates as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. The plant displays versatile ecological adaptations, ranging from terrestrial and semiaquatic habitats to roles as a holoepiphyte, though it can also exist in purely terrestrial environments. Its structural composition is entirely non-woody, supporting its identity as a soft-tissued herbaceous species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

holoepiphyte

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Nephrolepis cordifolia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many fern species that involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. This pathway dictates the plant's efficiency in gas exchange and water use, making it well-adapted to specific moisture and light regimes within its natural habitat. In terms of morphological development and structural physiology, the plant exhibits significant vegetative growth, with fronds that can reach a maximum leaf length of 75 cm. This substantial surface area facilitates efficient light interception and transpiration, supporting the plant's metabolic demands and overall biomass production.

Leaf length max:

75 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Nephrolepis cordifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Fernene.

Fernene

1. In silico pharmacology