Nephrolepidaceae - Sword ferns

Photo: BT. Wursten
Zimbabwe

 

Description of the family

Terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic plants. Rhizome short-creeping or erect, sometimes producing tubers, producing stolons that root and form shoots. Stipe not articulated; stipe and rhachis adaxially with a longitudinal groove. Fronds monomorphic, numerous, pinnate; pinnae articulated to the rhachis. Venation free, ending in a hydathode near the margin. Indumentum composed of peltate scales on the rhizome, axes and lamina surfaces, and 2-3 celled glandular hairs on the lamina. Sori round to oval or linear terminal on the veins, indusium kidney-shaped or linear, entire, opening towards the margin; homosporous.

Comment: Nephrolepis is sometimes placed within the family of the Davalliaceae or Oleandraceae, to which it is closely allied.

Worldwide: c. 30 species occurring throughout the warmer parts of the world, greatest number of species in south-east Asia (J.P. Roux, Swaziland ferns and fern allies)

 

Genera

  • Nephrolepis Schott
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    Literature

  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M.2011Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature.
  • Roux, J.P.2001Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report, 13: 1-222.

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