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Asplenium antiquum
Makino
Japanese Bird's Nest Fern
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium antiquum is a species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae. It is native to eastern Asia.
Description
Asplenium antiquum grows to about 100 cm tall. Rhizomes are large, with brownish triangular scales. Fronds are clustered in a rosette, and are reminiscent of a bird's nest, hence the name. Stipes are up to 7 cm long, woody, grooved on the upper side, and scaly at the base. Fronds are simply, lanceolate, 75 to 100 cm wide and 9 to 15 cm wide. They have smooth or wavy margins. The midrib is raised on both sides, slightly hairy, dark brown. Veins are simple, slightly raised on both sides, running from the midrib to the margins. Sori are linear and parallel to the veins, on the underside of the fronds. They are 3 to 4 cm long, located closer to the tip of the fronds, and over half the length of the individual veins (Wu et al. 2013).
Uses
​Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Distribution
Asplenium antiquum is an epiphyte, growing on rocks or tree trunks underneath forests, at altitudes of 600 to 1600 m. It has been found in the Chinese provinces of Fujian and possibly Hunan, as well as Taiwan, Japan, and Korean Peninsula (Wu et al. 2013).
Status
References
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
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