Pteris vittata

Ladder brake fern

Pteris vittata, commonly known as the Chinese brake fern, is a remarkable plant celebrated for its hyperaccumulator abilities. Renowned for its capacity to absorb arsenic from contaminated soils, it serves as a vital tool in phytoremediation, offering natural solutions for environmental cleanup and restoring soil health in polluted areas.

  • Scientific name: Pteris vittata
  • Family: Pteridaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae. It is further classified under the order Polypodiales and the family Pteridaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pteris, with its specific species name being vittata.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Polypodiinae WCVP
Order Polypodiales WCVP
Family Pteridaceae WCVP
Genus Pteris WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pteris vittata, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Hebrew, it is called אברה ארוכת עלים, while in German, it is known as Gebänderter Saumfarn. The Arabic name for this species is ديشار مخطط, and in Chinese, it is commonly called 蜈蚣凤尾蕨. In Japan, it is identified as モエジマシダ.
Language Common Name Source
he אברה ארוכת עלים Wikidata
de Gebänderter Saumfarn Wikidata
ar ديشار مخطط Wikidata
zh 蜈蚣凤尾蕨 Wikidata
ja モエジマシダ Wikidata
zh-tw 鱗蓋鳳尾蕨 Wikidata
fa سرخس دوپایه نواری Wikidata
bn টেরিস ভিট্টাটা Wikidata
zh-cn 蜈蚣凤尾蕨 Wikidata
arz ديشار مخطط Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found in Belgium, Germany, and Hungary. Its range also extends to Southwestern Europe, specifically within the Baleares. Together, these locations illustrate the diverse habitats where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP

Chemicals

Pteris vittata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arsenic.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
arsenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pteris vittata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆