Dicranopteris flexuosa

Dicranopteris flexuosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Gleicheniales
Family: Gleicheniaceae
Genus: Dicranopteris
Species:
D. flexuosa
Binomial name
Dicranopteris flexuosa
(Schrad.) Underw.

Dicranopteris flexuosa (commonly known as the drooping forked-fern)[1] is a species of tropical fern in the family Gleicheniaceae, widely distributed across the Neotropics. Like other members of its genus, it is known for forming dense thickets in disturbed and open habitats, playing a key ecological role in tropical and subtropical forests by stabilizing soil, moderating microclimates, and promoting forest succession through rapid clonal growth and stress tolerance.[2] Though often removed in forest management due to its dense growth, D. flexuosa may enhance ecosystem recovery by protecting soil and influencing plant community development.[3]

Distribution

Dicranopteris flexuosa is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Neotropics, including South America, Central America and the Caribbean. It is also native to Mexico and even the Southern United States.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Dicranopteris flexuosa (Drooping Forked-fern) - FSUS". fsus.ncbg.unc.edu. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  2. ↑ Yang, Long; Huang, Yuhui; Lima, Lucas Vieira; Sun, Zhongyu; Liu, Meijie; Wang, Jun; Liu, Nan; Ren, Hai (2021-01-13). "Rethinking the Ecosystem Functions of Dicranopteris, a Widespread Genus of Ferns". Frontiers in Plant Science. 11 581513. doi:10.3389/fpls.2020.581513. ISSN 1664-462X. PMC 7845760. PMID 33519842.
  3. ↑ Zhao, Jie; Wan, Songze; Li, Zhi’an; Shao, Yuanhu; Xu, Guoliang; Liu, Zhanfeng; Zhou, Lixia; Fu, Shenglei (2012-06-01). "Dicranopteris-dominated understory as major driver of intensive forest ecosystem in humid subtropical and tropical region". Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 49: 78–87. Bibcode:2012SBiBi..49...78Z. doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.020. ISSN 0038-0717.
  4. ↑ "Dicranopteris flexuosa (Schrad.) Underw. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2025-08-29.
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