Plant · GBIF taxon 2651816
Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-venerisAlso known as Maidenhair Fern, Black Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair Fern
Southern maidenhair ferns drape damp limestone cliffs, grottoes, and riverbanks in delicate, cascading curtains of bright green foliage. Their fan-shaped pinnules flutter on wiry, polished black stems that contrast strikingly with the soft leaves. These moisture-loving plants thrive in humid microclimates where constant seepage or mist keeps their roots hydrated.
Moisture-lovingShade-tolerantFern
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Water and sunlight via photosynthesis
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Aphids
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water diversion, and over-collection
HabitatsDamp limestone cliffs, grottoes, riverbanks, and moist forests
Life spanPerennial (can live for decades)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPteridaceae
- SpeciesAdiantum capillus-veneris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look for spores: Examine the undersides of the leaf margins in summer to see the tucked-in spore cases.
- Check wet rocks: Search near waterfalls, springs, and limestone seeps where moisture is constant.
- Avoid touching: Keep hands off the delicate fronds, as skin oils can damage the sensitive leaflets.
Frequent Companion (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Doug McGrady from Warwick, RI, USA / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative
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