Description

• Pityrogramma calomelanos, commonly known as silver fern or silverback fern, is a terrestrial fern in the family Pteridaceae.

• It produces arching, finely divided fronds that are bright green on the upper surface and often covered with a distinctive silvery-white or whitish powder on the underside.

• The fronds are usually triangular in outline and divided into numerous narrow segments, giving the plant a delicate, feathery appearance.

• Instead of producing flowers or seeds, it reproduces through spores borne in elongated patches along the undersides of the frond segments.

• The silvery coating is a characteristic feature that helps distinguish this species from many other tropical ferns.

Range

• Widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, with its original native range uncertain in some regions.

• Occurs in Mexico, including the region of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

• Has become naturalized in many parts of the tropics and can be invasive in some locations.

Habitat

• Grows in open, disturbed habitats, including roadsides, rocky slopes, stream banks, forest margins, and areas recovering from disturbance.

• Often favours moist, well-drained soils and partially shaded to sunny locations.

• Frequently colonizes exposed rock faces, banks, and other sites where vegetation is sparse.