Thelypteris nipponica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Parathelypteris nipponica
• Dryopteris nipponica
• Lastrea nipponica
• Wagneriopteris nipponica
• Parathelypteris nipponica var. borealis
• Thelypteris borealis
• Coryphopteris nipponica
• Parathelypteris borealis
• Nephrodium nipponicum
• Thelypteris nipponica var. borealis
• Aspidium nipponicum
• Dryopteris nipponica var. borealis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Polypodiinae and the order Polypodiales, it is situated in the family Aspleniaceae. Its specific taxonomic identification is completed by its placement in the genus Thelypteris.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Thelypteris nipponica, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the Russian Far East. It can be found growing in the Amur region, where it occupies suitable local habitats. The species also extends its range into the Kamchatka Peninsula, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse northern environments. Furthermore, its presence is documented across the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories. Finally, the plant reaches the Kuril Islands, completing its documented geographical spread in this coastal area.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Thelypteris nipponica is characterized by its specialized survival strategies, functioning primarily as a geophyte and a cryptophyte. As a geophyte, the plant relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions, allowing it to persist through seasonal changes by protecting its vital structures beneath the soil surface. This classification as a cryptophyte further emphasizes its strategy of keeping its perennating buds or reproductive structures hidden underground or at the soil level during dormant periods. These life forms enable the plant to navigate fluctuations in moisture and temperature, ensuring its long-term persistence in its specific ecological niche through periodic regrowth from these protected subterranean reserves.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Thelypteris nipponica is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, as it functions as a terrestrial species rather than an obligatory or facultative epiphyte. The plant typically exhibits a rhizomatous structure, with creeping or erect rhizomes that anchor it within the soil or organic debris of its natural habitat. The fronds are generally large and pinnate, featuring well-defined pinnae that give the foliage a lush, fern-like appearance. The stipe (petiole) is often sturdy, supporting the spreading lamina which is composed of numerous individual leaflets. On the underside of the fertile fronds, the sori are arranged in a distinct pattern, typical of the genus, which are essential for its reproductive cycle. The overall architecture of the plant is adapted to life on the ground, utilizing the terrestrial substrate for stability and nutrient uptake.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Thelypteris nipponica has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging, Hepatoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Free-Radical Scavenging

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hepatoprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology