triangular staghorn fern

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• triangular staghorn fern
• triangle staghorn fern

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alcicornium stemaria
• Neuroplatyceros aethiopicus
• Platycerium aethiopicum
• Acrostichum stemaria

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Platcyerium stemaria, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. It falls under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Polypodiinae, following the order Polypodiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Polypodiaceae and is situated within the genus Platycerium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Platysteria stemaria, is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its natural range encompasses several distinct countries across this vibrant biological region. Specifically, it can be located in the territories of Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species extends its distribution into the coastal and inland areas of Guinea and Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical presence is also well-documented within the borders of Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Platycerium stemaria is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or a thin layer of substrate. This life strategy allows the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations by maintaining its regenerative capacity near the ground level. Within the broader spectrum of plant life forms, it specifically functions as a hemicryptophyte, distinguishing its survival mechanism from other categories such as phanerophytes, chamaephytes, cryptophytes, or therophytes. By positioning its vital organs at the soil-air interface, it effectively balances the need for seasonal growth with the necessity of surviving unfavorable environmental periods.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Platystema stemaria is characterized by a versatile growth habit and structural composition. It exhibits a diverse ecological range, functioning across aquactic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial habitats. Structurally, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, maintaining its own posture without the need for external support. It is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and it does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence rather than growing upon other plants. Additionally, the plant is characterized by a non-woody stem, lacking the rigid lignification found in woody species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Platycerium stemaria has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Phenols, Saponins.

Anthraquinones

1. BioMed research international

Flavonoids

1. BioMed research international

Glycosides

1. BioMed research international

Phenols

1. BioMed research international

Saponins

1. BioMed research international

Tannins

1. BioMed research international

Terpenoids

1. BioMed research international

Activities

Platycerium stemaria has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. BioMed research international

Antioxidant

1. BioMed research international

Preparations