top of page
Angiopteris evecta
(G.Forst.) Hoffm.
(no common name)
Marattiaceae
Angiopteris evecta is a species of fern in the family Marattiaceae. It is a huge fern native to the South Pacific, and invasive elsewhere; however, is part of a species complex, and the taxonomy of the genus as a whole is in need of a revision.
Description
Angiopteris evecta has very large fronds that are about 2 to 5 m long, with smooth stipes. The fronds are bipinnate with the leaflets being 65 to 70 cm long. Leaflets have 15 to 30 pairs of subleaflets that are 7 to 20 cm long, 0.9 to 3.5 cm wide, and with fine teeth along the edges. Veins are easily visible, and false veins also exist, extending through almost the entire length of the subleaflets. Sori on the underside of the margin are about 2 mm wide, about 1 mm from the edge of the subleaflets (Wu et al. 2013).
The taxonomy of Angiopteris is very unclear, with the species needing to be redefined. In particular, Angiopteris evecta was the first to be described under Angiopteris, so the name has been applied broadly (Wu et al. 2013), and the species is thought to belong to a complex of many small, closely related populations (Christenhusz and Toivonen 2007).
The taxonomy of Angiopteris is very unclear, with the species needing to be redefined. In particular, Angiopteris evecta was the first to be described under Angiopteris, so the name has been applied broadly (Wu et al. 2013), and the species is thought to belong to a complex of many small, closely related populations (Christenhusz and Toivonen 2007).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Angiopteris evecta has starchy rhizomes that can be eaten or used as a component in perfume. It can also be cultivated, but that is discouraged in areas where it has the potential to invade (Christenhusz and Toivonen 2007).
Distribution
Angiopteris evecta is found often on volcanic soils in valleys or roadsides in rainforests or broad-leaved forests, at altitudes of 100 to 1200 m. Its range is unclear because the species has been described very broadly or narrowly; the Flora of China lists its native range as Orchid Island, Taiwan; New Guinea, Philippines, Australia, and South Pacific islands (Wu et al. 2013).
It is invasive in Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, and is one of a few ferns that have become invasive, another being Sphaeropteris cooperi. Ironically, some populations of Angiopteris evecta are of conservation concern (Christenhusz and Toivonen 2007).
It is invasive in Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, and is one of a few ferns that have become invasive, another being Sphaeropteris cooperi. Ironically, some populations of Angiopteris evecta are of conservation concern (Christenhusz and Toivonen 2007).
Status
References
Christenhusz, M. J. M., and Toivonen, T. K. 2007. Giants invading the tropics: the oriental vessel fern, Angiopteris evecta (Marattiaceae). Biological Invasions, 10: 1215–1228.
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Description
bottom of page