Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepis exaltata, known as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a species of fern in the family Lomariopsidaceae (sometimes treated in the families Davalliaceae or Oleandraceae, or in its own family, Nephrolepidaceae) native to tropical regions throughout the world. An evergreen perennial herbaceous plant, it can reach as high as 40–90 centimetres (16–35 in), and in extreme cases up to 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in). It is also known as the Boston swordfern, wild Boston fern, Boston Blue Bell Fern, tuber ladder fern, or fishbone fern.[1]

Nephrolepis exaltata

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Polypodiineae
Family: Nephrolepidaceae
Genus: Nephrolepis
Species:
N. exaltata
Binomial name
Nephrolepis exaltata
(L.) Schott

Description

The fronds of Nephrolepis exaltata are 50–250 centimetres (20–98 in) long and 6–15 centimetres (2.4–5.9 in) broad, with alternate pinnae (the small "leaflets" on either side of the midrib), each pinna being 2–8 centimetres (0.79–3.15 in) long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the adjacent picture. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate. The plant can grow both terrestrially and as an epiphyte, linear to lanceolate and glandular. The rachis bears monochrome sprout soups. The leaflets are entire, undestroyed and oblong-lanceolate up to 4.8 inches (120 mm) long and up to 0.9 inches (23 mm) wide. They stand at a distance of less than 1 centimetre (0.39 in). The sori are rounded. The spores are warty and wrinkled. Nephrolepis exaltata forms an underground rhizome that is slim and tuberous.

The species has erect fronds, but Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' (Boston fern) and 'Teddy Junior' have gracefully arching fronds. This mutation was discovered in a shipment of N. exaltata to Boston from Philadelphia in 1894.[2] Other proposals for the origin of the term Boston fern were documented by David Fairchild, who stated that the term came from Florida pioneer nurseryman John Soar, who sent the plants to his friend in Boston.[3]

Range

The fern is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa. Nephrolepis exaltata thrives in moist, shady locations and is found frequently in swamps and floodplains. It grows epiphytically on Sabal palmetto.

Cultivation and uses

Nephrolepis exaltata is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a perennial plant hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. Although the fern may appear totally dead during periods of frost, it will re-emerge in the spring. In general, the Boston fern thrives in damp, but not soggy, soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston fern is the most tolerant to drought. The fern is acclimated to humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant, it is necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%. Although the plant prefers partial shade or full shade outdoors, it doesn't grow in shade when indoors and responds best to bright filtered light. The plant is usually propagated by division of the rooted runners, as named cultivars will not produce true spores. It is safe for pets as it is known to be non-toxic.[4][5]

The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[6][7]

Cultivars

A number of cultivars exist of this species exist:[8]

  • Teddy Junior
  • Bostoniensis
  • Sonata
  • Montana
  • Green Lady
  • Marissa (a dwarf variety)
  • Todeoides
  • Whitmanii Improved
  • Rooseveltii

Air purification

In 1989, the NASA Clean Air Study showed that the Boston Fern could filter formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air.[9]

Invasive species

A related species, Nephrolepis cordifolia (Tuberous sword fern), is frequently confused with this sword fern, and is a serious exotic invasive plant, forming dense monocultures. Nephrolepis exaltata is classified as an invasive alien plant in South Africa. In some provinces it must be eradicated by law. In others, a permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept one as a gift.[10]

  • Native Sword fern growing in Leon County, Florida.
  • Native Sword fern growing along a woodland path in Leon County.
  • In two pots.
  • Growing in a pot.
  • At a nursery.
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References
  1. "Nephrolepis exaltata". Plants & Flowers: Plants Database. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  2. Greenhouse Production of Boston Ferns - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
  3. http://www.fshs.org/Proceedings/Password%20Protected/1980%20Vol.%2093/208-210%20(SMITH).pdf Cecil N. Smith - Evolution of the Florida Foliage Plant Industry
  4. "Boston Fern". aspca.org.
  5. http://www.pets.ca/cats/articles/safe-plants-and-poisonous-plants-for-cats/
  6. "RHS Plantfinder - Nephr9lepis exaltata". Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  7. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 67. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  8. VIDALIE Henri (8 September 2009). Les productions florales (8e ed.). Lavoisier. pp. 112–. ISBN 978-2-7430-1667-8.
  9. BC Wolverton; WL Douglas; K Bounds (September 1989). Interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement (Report). NASA. NASA-TM-101766.
  10. "Alien Invasive Plants - The South African Nursery Association". Archived from the original on 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
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