erect sword fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C.Presl
Nephrolepis cordifolia, commonly known as the erect sword fern, is a widespread tropical fern species with a broad native range across the global tropics, including parts of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. It is often cultivated for ornamental purposes and has naturalized in many regions outside its original distribution. The species is characterized by its tufted growth, falcate pinnae, and the occasional presence of tubers on its rhizomes, which can be influenced by environmental conditions.
Description
Nephrolepis cordifolia is a medium-sized fern that forms dense tufts of 3 to 7 fronds. The rhizomes are slender, with branching runners that can bear sparse to dense scales. The fronds are elongated, reaching up to 120 cm in length and 6 cm in width, with a tapering base and falcate (sickle-shaped) middle pinnae. The sterile pinnae are herbaceous and thick, with a cordate (heart-shaped) base and a deeply dentate margin. Fertile pinnae are narrower and similar in structure to the sterile ones. The lamina is typically hairless, and the sori are elongated and medial, with a lunulate or broad indusium. The rhizome scales are pseudopeltate, light brown, and lacerate at the base.
Habitat
Nephrolepis cordifolia is primarily found in tropical regions at elevations between 800 and 2000 meters, often in submontane or ridge forests. It is typically terrestrial, frequently growing on decaying logs, and rarely epiphytic. The species is seldom found in fully open habitats. In subtropical areas, it tends to grow at lower elevations. It is associated with moist, shaded environments and is often observed in forest understories.
Cultivation
This fern is widely cultivated for its attractive, arching fronds and is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils and requires consistent moisture and indirect light. The species is relatively hardy and can tolerate some shade, making it suitable for indoor cultivation as well. The presence of tubers on the rhizomes is variable and influenced by environmental conditions; in dry conditions, the tubers may shrivel and disappear. Propagation is typically done through division of the rhizomes or spore germination.
Uses
Nephrolepis cordifolia is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. It is also used in landscaping for shaded areas and as a ground cover in moist environments. The species has naturalized in many regions outside its native range, where it can sometimes be found growing in disturbed areas or near human settlements. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions makes it a versatile and popular choice for horticultural applications.
Other common names
Narrow swordfernladder fernerect sword fernfishbone ferntuber ferntuberous sword fern
Distribution
Madeira · Amazonas, Antioquia, Boyacá, Caldas, Caquetá, Cauca, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Huila, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca · BR · Subregiones: Cordillera occidental, Cordillera central, Norte, Zona central, Sur, Enclaves subxerofíticos · Faial Island · Flores Island · Graciosa Island · Pico Island · Santa Maria Island · São Jorge Island · São Miguel Island · Terceira Island · Madeira Island · Parque Nacional Natural Tamá | Parque Nacional Natural Cocuy | Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos · TW · ZA · CK · IT · PT · CO · Bucaramanga | Charalá | El Peñón | Floridablanca | Girón | Los Santos | Tona · Azores · Italy · Sicilia · SE · BM · ZM · NZ · Garden Route National Park · Galápagos Islands
Synonyms
Aspidium auriculatumAspidium eduleAspidium sublanosumDryopteris auriculataNephrodium auriculatumNephrodium cordifoliumNephrodium imbricatumNephrolepis auriculataNephrolepis imbricataNephrolepis intramarginalisNephrolepis paleaceaNephrolepis rhizodesAsplenium bulbosumNephrolepis tuberosaNephrodium tuberosumPolypodium cordifoliumAspidium tuberosumNephrolepis exaltata var. tuberosaNephrolepis cordifolia var. tuberosaPolystichum auriculatumPolypodium auriculatumNephrodium eduleDavallia falcataNephrolepis cordifolia var. tambourinensisNephrolepis radicans var. cavernicolaAspidium volubile var. cavernicolaAspidium cordifolium var. tambourinenseAspidium cordifoliumAspidium auriculatumAspidium imbricatum