Plant · GBIF taxon 8108066
maidenhair spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanesAlso known as Common Spleenwort, English Maidenhair
Maidenhair spleenwort is a small evergreen fern with narrow once-divided fronds and a glossy dark brown to black central stalk. Rounded green pinnae line the stalk, while elongated sori form beneath mature leaflets in shaded rock crevices.
Rock-crevice FernEvergreen FrondDark Rachis
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and absorbs water and dissolved nutrients through fine roots and rhizomes
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Fern-feeding insects
ThreatsQuarrying, wall cleaning, rock climbing, trampling, prolonged drying, and removal of shaded crevice habitat
HabitatsShaded cliffs, limestone or siliceous rock crevices, boulder fields, caves, and old mortared walls
Life spanAn evergreen perennial whose established rhizome can persist for many years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAspleniaceae
- SpeciesAsplenium trichomanes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not pull fronds from crevices; the small rhizome and its thin soil pocket are easily damaged.
Responsible observation
- Stalk: Look for a glossy dark rachis contrasting with small green pinnae.
- Sori: View the narrow brown spore lines beneath mature pinnae without bending them.
- Protect: Keep hands and footwear away from occupied cracks and old wall joints.
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