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Rumohra adiantiformis
(G.Forst.) Ching
Leatherleaf Fern
Dryopteridaceae
Rumohra adiantiformis is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It has a near-pantropical distribution, and is grown as a groundcover or used in floral arrangements.
Description
Rumohra adiantiformis is often an epiphytic plant. It has long-creeping stems that are covered with yellow-brown scales; these scales are up to 1.5 cm long and 4 mm wide. Leaves are bipinnate to tripinnate, ovate to triangular, 20 to 150 cm long. The blade is 15 to 90 cm long and 10 to 75 cm wide at the base, on a straw-colored, grooved stipe. The midrib is grooved and often scaly. Leaflets are stalked. Near the base of the frond they are generally triangular and pinnate; near the tip of the leaf they are pinnatifid. Leaf margins are toothed. Sori are large and round, and are borne closer to the midveins than the margins (Nelson 2000).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Rumohra adiantiformis is often grown as a groundcover, preferring shady soils. It grows in USDA zones 9 to 11. Fronds are used in cut flower arrangements, because they remain fresh long after being cut (Gilman 1999).
Distribution
Rumohra adiantiformis is widespread and has a pantropical distribution. It is native to the Caribbean, South America, southern Africa, and Australasia (Hassler and Schmitt 2019). In North America it has a local distribution in Florida (Kartesz 2015).
Status
References
Gilman, E. F. 1999. Rumohra adiantiformis. Environmental Horticulture. [accessed 2019 Jun 14]. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/rumadia.pdf
Hassler, M., and Schmitt, B. 2019. Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. [accessed 2019 Jun 7]. https://worldplants.webarchiv.kit.edu/ferns/
Kartesz, J. T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2015. North American Plant Atlas. (http://bonap.net/napa). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2015. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)].
Nelson, G. 2000. The Ferns of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide. Sarasota, FL: Pineapple Press.
Hassler, M., and Schmitt, B. 2019. Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. [accessed 2019 Jun 7]. https://worldplants.webarchiv.kit.edu/ferns/
Kartesz, J. T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2015. North American Plant Atlas. (http://bonap.net/napa). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2015. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)].
Nelson, G. 2000. The Ferns of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide. Sarasota, FL: Pineapple Press.
Description
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