Adiantum bellum

Taxobox
name = Bermuda Maidenhair Fern


image_width = 250px
image_caption = Bermuda Maidenhair ("Adiantum bellum")
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Pteridophyta
classis = Pteridopsida
ordo = Pteridales
familia = Adiantaceae
genus = "Adiantum"
species = "A. bellum"
binomial = "Adiantum bellum"
binomial_authority = T. Moore

"Adiantum bellum" (Bermuda Maidenhair Fern) is a species of fern in the genus "Adiantum", native to Bermuda. It is one of 19 native Bermuda fern species and the only native maidenhair (g. "Adiantum"). ["Adiantum capillus" which now grows wild was introduced by Governor Lefroy. Gilbert, Benjamin D. (December 1898) "Revision of the Bermuda Ferns" "Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club" 25(12): pp. 593-604, p. 595] It is also the most prolific fern on the island. [ [http://bermuda-online.org/flora.htm "Bermuda's Flora" "Bermuda Online"] ] Phillips-Watlington, Christine (1996) "Bermuda's Botanical Wonderland: a field guide" Macmillan Education, London, ISBN 0333606523 ] Rugg, Harold Goddard (January 1912) "Random Notes on Bermuda Ferns" "American Fern Journal" 2(1): pp. 16-18] It is only found on Bermuda and surrounding islands; however the IPNI reports it also found in Guiana. [ [http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=17009070-1&back_page=%2Fipni%2FeditSimplePlantNameSearch.do%3Ffind_wholeName%3DAdiantum%2Bbellum%26output_format%3Dnormal "Adiantaceae "Adiantum bellum" Moore" "The International Plant Names Index"] ]

Bermuda Maidenhair Fern is deciduous. In the wild it grows in crevices, on cliffs and under rock ledges, in roadside verge, and terrestrially on hillsides. It does require moisture and shade, and is often prolific near streams if in well-drained sites.Gilbert, Benjamin D. (December 1898) "Revision of the Bermuda Ferns" "Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club" 25(12): pp. 593-604] The delicate fronds grow to 5-30 cm long, and are fan-shaped, light to medium green with black stems (stipes and rachises). [Moore, Thomas (1879) "Gardener's Chronicle" 2^nd series, 11: 172 f. 24] Benjamin D. Gilbert described a variety of "Adiantum bellum" which he called "walsingense"; however, it is believed that this is just a variety produced by better soil and moisture conditions.

Bermuda Maidenhair Fern is sometimes grown in gardens; however it is not hardy and does better indoors. [Taylor, Earle W. (October 1963) "A Fern Garden at the Fresno Museum" "American Fern Journal" 53(4): pp. 159-165, p. 163 ]

Notes

External links

* [http://nefern.info/picpages/adibelpx.htm "Bermuda Maidenhair" photo by Don Lubin at "Ferns et al. of New England"]
* [http://www.zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Adiantum_bellum.asp "Adiantum bellum" (Bermuda Maidenhair Fern)" "Zipcode Zoo"]