Where does the Old World climbing fern come from?

Where does the Old World climbing fern come from?

Lygodium microphyllum, or Old World climbing fern, is native to Africa, Asia and Australia and was first found in south Florida in the late 1950s. Dense mats of the vine can cover and eventually kill trees, shrubs and plants, degrading wildlife habitats.

Where can the Japanese climbing fern be found?

U.S. Habitat: This fern is limited to temperate and tropical areas, usually in damp or disturbed sites regardless of sunlight.

Can tree ferns grow in Florida?

Australian Tree Fern is the most commonly grown tree fern in Florida. It grows on a trunk that can reach 20 feet tall. It has finely divided fronds that can be 3-5 feet in length.

Are ferns native to Florida?

A Florida native plant, the Giant Sword fern (also called the Macho fern) grows about 3 feet tall and almost as wide. The Sword fern or Boston fern grows about two feet tall. This fern spreads. The Fishtail fern, with a unique ruffly growth habit, reaches about three feet tall.

What is Nito plant?

Nito (Lygodium spp.) belongs to the class of climbing ferns. With its slender stems twining around plants, the nito sheds leaves as it matures and becomes ready for harvest. Nito is a popular raw material for baskets, placemats and plate chargers, coasters, and box containers.

How can we prevent the spread of Old World climbing ferns?

Herbicides containing glyphosate, metsulfuron, triclopyr, and imazapic are usually effective in controlling old world climbing fern. The spraying should be done for at least two years and at an interval of six months for effective control.

Are ferns Australian?

There are over 10,000 species of ferns world wide and the Australian flora consists of more than 400 species. Ferns may be huge and woody such as the tree ferns – Cyathea, Dicksonia – medium sized, fleshy and clumping such as the Pteris and Blechnum ferns or fine and delicate such as the maiden-hair ferns – Adiantum.

What is the scientific name of Old World climbing fern?

The correct name of Old World climbing fern is L. microphyllum, but the species is occasionally referred to as Lygodium scandens. As many as 40 species have been placed in the genus Lygodium, but a recent revision has reduced this number to 26.

How big is the climbing fern problem in Florida?

Scientists’ estimate that, left unchecked, Old World climbing fern could infest more than 2 million acres in South Florida by 2014. Highly invasive in natural areas.

Which climbing ferns are classified as Lygodium?

USDA-APHIS, 2009. Lygodium microphyllum (Old world climbing fern), Lygodium japonicum (Japanese climbing fern), and Lygodium flexuosum weed risk assessment. Raleigh, North Carolina, USA 38 pp.

Where do ferns grow in Florida?

The fern, first found to be established in 1965 in Martin County, now infests more than 200,000 acres in South Florida. Native to Africa to Southeast Asia, South Pacific islands, and Australia. In Florida, most common in South Florida but spreading into Central Florida.