Kingdom:
Phylum:
Pteridophytes
Order:
Cyatheales
Species:
mertensiana
ID:
141021

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Kunze) R.M.Tryon

Source:
ipni

Year:
1970

Citation Micro:
Contr. Gray Herb. 200: 21 (1970)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000140350



Common Names

  • Mertens' Fern
  • Mertens' Shield Fern
  • Mertens' Spleenwort


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Description

Sphaeropteris mertensiana (also called Mertens' Tree Fern, among many other common names) is a species of tree fern native to Central America and South America. It grows in humid forest habitats, usually in areas with high rainfall and temperatures of 15-25°C.

Uses & Benefits

Sphaeropteris mertensiana is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a groundcover in shady areas and can provide a lush, tropical look to a garden.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Sphaeropteris mertensiana is small and yellow-green in color. The seed is small and round, with a light brown color. The seedlings are small and thin, with light green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Sphaeropteris mertensiana can be propagated by division of the rhizomes or by spores. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. It is best grown in a humus-rich, acidic soil in a sheltered position.

Where to Find Sphaeropteris mertensiana

Sphaeropteris mertensiana is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.

Sphaeropteris mertensiana FAQ

What is the scientific name of Sphaeropteris mertensiana?

Sphaeropteris mertensiana

What is the common name of Sphaeropteris mertensiana?

Mertens' Shield Fern

What is the habitat of Sphaeropteris mertensiana?

It is found in moist forests, along streams, and in wet, rocky areas.

Species in the Sphaeropteris genus

Sphaeropteris aciculosa, Sphaeropteris aeneifolia, Sphaeropteris agatheti, Sphaeropteris albidosquamata, Sphaeropteris albifrons, Sphaeropteris albosetacea, Sphaeropteris angustipinna, Sphaeropteris aramaganensis, Sphaeropteris arthropoda, Sphaeropteris assimilis, Sphaeropteris atrospinosa, Sphaeropteris atrox, Sphaeropteris auriculifera, Sphaeropteris binuangensis, Sphaeropteris brackenridgei, Sphaeropteris capitata, Sphaeropteris carrii, Sphaeropteris curranii, Sphaeropteris discophora, Sphaeropteris elliptica, Sphaeropteris elmeri, Sphaeropteris excelsa, Sphaeropteris feani, Sphaeropteris felina, Sphaeropteris fugax, Sphaeropteris fusca, Sphaeropteris inaequalis, Sphaeropteris insularum, Sphaeropteris integra, Sphaeropteris ledermannii, Sphaeropteris leucolepis, Sphaeropteris leucotricha, Sphaeropteris lunulata, Sphaeropteris magna, Sphaeropteris marginata, Sphaeropteris megalosora, Sphaeropteris mertensiana, Sphaeropteris microlepidota, Sphaeropteris moluccana, Sphaeropteris moseleyi, Sphaeropteris nigricans, Sphaeropteris obliqua, Sphaeropteris obscura, Sphaeropteris papuana, Sphaeropteris parksiae, Sphaeropteris parvifolia, Sphaeropteris parvipinna, Sphaeropteris persquamulifera, Sphaeropteris philippinensis, Sphaeropteris pilulifera,

Species in the Cyatheaceae family

Alsophila acanthophora, Alsophila acuminata, Alsophila alderwereltii, Alsophila alleniae, Alsophila alta, Alsophila aneitensis, Alsophila apoensis, Alsophila archboldii, Alsophila baroumba, Alsophila borneensis, Alsophila boytelii, Alsophila brausei, Alsophila brevipinna, Alsophila buennemeijeri, Alsophila callosa, Alsophila catillifera, Alsophila celsa, Alsophila cicatricosa, Alsophila cincinnata, Alsophila cinerea, Alsophila coactilis, Alsophila confinis, Alsophila costalisora, Alsophila crinita, Alsophila cubensis, Alsophila cucullifera, Alsophila cunninghamii, Alsophila deckenii, Alsophila dicksonioides, Alsophila doctersii, Alsophila edanoi, Alsophila eriophora, Alsophila everta, Alsophila excavata, Alsophila fagildei, Alsophila ferdinandii, Alsophila ferruginea, Alsophila foersteri, Alsophila geluensis, Alsophila glaberrima, Alsophila gleichenioides, Alsophila grangaudiana, Alsophila halconensis, Alsophila havilandii, Alsophila hooglandii, Alsophila hookeri, Alsophila horridula, Alsophila humilis, Alsophila hymenodes, Alsophila imbricata,

References

Gustav Kunze (1793-1851): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Kunze' in the authors string.
Rolla M. Tryon Jr. (1916-2001): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.M.Tryon' in the authors string.