Nephrolepis brownii

Nephrolepis brownii (Desv.) Hovenkamp & Miyam.

Synonym: Nephrolepis multiflora

Common Names: Asian Sword Fern

Family: Nephrolepidaceae (formerly in the Polypodiaceae)

Habit: Nephrolepis brownii grows from an erect, dark brown scaled rhizome up to 1 cm in diameter. Scales fringed along their margins. The 2-ranked fronds arise from the rhizome. Each frond oblong linear, up to 120 cm in length and 10 cm wide. Pinnae opposite, linear, to 8 cm in length with crenate/serrate margins.

The round, yellow sori are arranged in rows at the tips of the secondary veins along the margins of the abaxial surface.  There is a reniform/round indusium.

Habitat: Nephrolepis brownii grows as in Human Altered environments (gardens, yards, abandoned areas).

Distribution: Nephrolepis brownii is NOT native to the Lucayan Archipelago but does occur throughout the island groupings. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Nephrolepis brownii is not known to be used medicinally in the Bahamas.

It is grown as an ornamental but escapes cultivation.  Frequent weed in nurseries.