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Nephrolepis exaltata, known as the sword fern<ref name=IUCN/> or Boston fern, is a species of fern in the family Nephrolepidaceae.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> It is native to the Americas.<ref name=IUCN/> This evergreen plant can reach as high as Template:Convert, and in extreme cases up to Template:Convert. It is also known as the Boston sword fern, wild Boston fern, Boston blue bell fern, tuber ladder fern, or fishbone fern.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DescriptionEdit
The fronds of Nephrolepis exaltata are Template:Convert long and Template:Convert broad, with alternate pinnae (the small "leaflets" on either side of the midrib), each pinna being Template:Convert long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the adjacent picture. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate, linear to lanceolate and glandular. The rachis bears monochrome sprout soups. The leaflets are entire, undestroyed and oblong-lanceolate up to Template:Convert long and up to Template:Convert wide. They stand at a distance of less than Template:Convert. The sori are rounded. The spores are warty and wrinkled. Nephrolepis exaltata forms an underground rhizome that is slim and tuberous.
The species has erect fronds, but Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' (Boston fern) and 'Teddy Junior' have gracefully arching fronds. This mutation was discovered in a shipment of N. exaltata to Boston from Philadelphia in 1894.<ref>Greenhouse Production of Boston Ferns - Alabama Cooperative Extension System</ref> Other proposals for the origin of the term Boston fern were documented by David Fairchild, who stated that the term came from Florida pioneer nurseryman John Soar, who sent the plants to his friend in Boston.<ref>http://www.fshs.org/Proceedings/Password%20Protected/1980%20Vol.%2093/208-210%20(SMITH).pdf Cecil N. Smith - Evolution of the Florida Foliage Plant Industry</ref>
RangeEdit
The fern is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa. N. exaltata thrives in moist, shady locations and is found frequently in swamps and floodplains. The plant can grow both terrestrially and as an epiphyte. It grows epiphytically on the Sabal palmetto.
SubspeciesEdit
Two subspecies are accepted:<ref name = powo/>
- Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. exaltata – subtropical and tropical Americas
- Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis Template:Small – Hawaiian Islands
Cultivation and usesEdit
Nephrolepis exaltata is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a perennial plant hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11. Although the fern may appear totally dead during periods of frost, it will re-emerge in the spring. In general, the Boston fern thrives in damp, but not soggy, soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston fern is the most tolerant to drought. The fern is acclimated to humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant, it is necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%. Although the plant prefers partial shade or full shade outdoors, it doesn't grow in shade when indoors and responds best to bright filtered light.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The plant is usually propagated by division of the rooted runners, as named cultivars will not produce true spores. It is safe for pets as it is known to be non-toxic.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
CultivarsEdit
A number of cultivars exist:<ref name="Henri2009">Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Div col
- 'Teddy Junior'
- 'Bostoniensis'
- 'Sonata'
- 'Montana'
- 'Green Lady'
- 'Marissa' (a dwarf variety)
- 'Todeoides'
- 'Whitmanii Improved'
- 'Rooseveltii'
The following are recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
- Nephrolepis exaltata<ref name = RHSPF>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Nephrolepis exaltata 'Elegantissima'<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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Invasive speciesEdit
A related species, Nephrolepis cordifolia (Tuberous sword fern), is frequently confused with this sword fern, and is a serious exotic invasive plant, forming dense monocultures. Nephrolepis exaltata is classified as an invasive alien plant in South Africa. In some provinces it must be eradicated by law. In others, a permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept one as a gift.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>