Sphaeropteris medullaris
Sphaeropteris medullaris, commonly known as the Tree Fern, is a remarkable medicinal plant found in tropical regions. Renowned for its versatile therapeutic properties, its pith and sap are traditionally used to treat various ailments, including inflammation and skin conditions, offering a rich natural resource for holistic healing practices.
- Scientific name: Sphaeropteris medullaris
- Family: Cyatheaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic details place it in the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Cyatheales, specifically within the family Cyatheaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Sphaeropteris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae | WCVP |
| Order | Cyatheales | WCVP |
| Family | Cyatheaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sphaeropteris | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Sphaeropteris medullaris, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as the tree fern, while in Spanish, it is commonly called helecho árbol. In Hawaiian, the plant is known as ʻamaʻu, and in Malagasy, it is called sanda.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution across several distinct island regions. Within the Macaronesian archipelago, it can be found growing in Madeira. Its presence extends to the Southwestern Pacific, specifically documented in Fiji. In the region of New Zealand, the species inhabits both the North and South Islands. Finally, its range includes the remote Chatham Islands located near New Zealand.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| New Zealand | Chatham Is. | WCVP |
| New Zealand | New Zealand North | WCVP |
| New Zealand | New Zealand South | WCVP |
| Southwestern Pacific | Fiji | WCVP |
| Southwestern Pacific | Vanuatu | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Marquesas | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Pitcairn Is. | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Society Is. | WCVP |
| South-Central Pacific | Tubuai Is. | WCVP |