climbing fern
(Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. (1801) (Mobot))


Overview


Appearance
Lygodium flexuosum, maidenhair creeper, is a rhizomatous perennial climbing fern. It is native to temperate and tropical Asia and to Australia. Vines are thin, wiry, and can become very dense. They consist of the climbing frond stems (rachis) which arise from the horizontal stems (stolons and rhizomes) on and beneath the ground.
Foliage
The pinnae of L. flexuosum are attached opposite on the vine and are roughly triangular in shape. The margins of fertile pinnae contract to finger-like projections that bear sporangia which produce spores.
Flowers
L. flexuosum is a fern and ferns do not have flowers.
Fruit
L. flexuosum reproduces by spores and can spread through its rhizomes. The sporangia that form on the underside of the pinnae produce spores. The sporangia are dark brown raised spots along the margin of fertile pinnules.
Ecological Threat
Lygodium flexuosum is a federally listed noxious weed. The spores are easily moved by the wind. In Asia L. flexuosum is a weed in rice fields and overgrows vegetation in lowland natural areas.

Maps



EDDMapS Distribution

EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State Regulated List

State List - This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. For more information, visit Invasive.org

Invasive Listing Sources


Taxonomic Rank


Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Lygodiaceae
Genus: Lygodium
Subject: Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. (1801) (Mobot)

Categories


Plants - Vines