Adiantum bellum (Bermuda maidenhair fern) is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, and is native to Bermuda.
It is 1 of 19 ferns native to Bermuda, the only native maidenhair, and the most prolific fern on the island."Bermuda's Flora" Bermuda OnlinePhillips-Watlington, Christine (1996) Bermuda's Botanical Wonderland: a field guide Macmillan Education, London, Rugg, Harold Goddard (January 1912) "Random Notes on Bermuda Ferns" American Fern Journal 2(1): pp. 16-18 It is found only on Bermuda; however, the IPNI reports it also found in Guiana."Adiantaceae Adiantum bellum Moore" The International Plant Names Index
Description
Adiantum bellum is deciduous. In the wild it grows in crevices, on cliffs and under rock ledges, in roadside verge, and terrestrially on hillsides. It requires 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 long, and are fan-shaped, light to medium green with black stems (stipes and rachises).Moore, Thomas (1879) Gardener's Chronicle 2nd series, 11: 172 f. 24 Benjamin D. Gilbert described a variety of A. bellum which he called walsingense; however, it is believed that this is just a variety produced by better soil and moisture conditions.
The other maidenhair fern that now grows wild on Bermuda, Adiantum capillus-veneris, 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
Cultivation 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 It prefers low to medium light, and moist potting mix. The cultivar Adiantum raddianum 'Pacottii' has been mislabeled as this species in the horticultural trade.
References
External links "Bermuda maidenhair" photo by Don Lubin at Ferns et al. of New England Bermuda maidenhair fern Page, Bermuda Department of Conservation Services. "Adiantum bellum (Bermuda maidenhair fern)" Zipcode Zoo
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