Neoblechnum

Neoblechnum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pteridophyta
Class:	Polypodiopsida /  Pteridopsida (disputed)
Order:	Polypodiales
Family:	Blechnaceae
Genus:	Blechnum
Species:	B. brasiliense
Binomial name
Blechnum brasiliense

New red fronds emerging, Jardin des Plantes conservatory.

Specimen in the United States Botanic Garden conservatory.

Blechnum brasiliense, with the common names Brazilian dwarf tree fern, Red Brazilian tree fern, and red dwarf tree fern, is a fern species in the genus Blechnum.

The species was named by Gerrit Davidse of the Missouri Botanical Garden, after its field collection in Brazil.

Distribution

The fern is native to the warm and humid subtropical forests of South America.

Habitats include:

• the Atlantic Forest biome, within southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and the interiors of Argentina and Paraguay.
• the Amazon region, in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Guyana.
• Guatemala.

Description

The erect rhizome of Blechnum brasiliense forms a thin stipe-stubbed trunk up to 30 centimetres (12 in) in height.

The new foliage is a striking deep red color. As the fronds mature it turns to a glossy green. On some selections, the new fronds emerge a pinkish-red.

Cultivation

Blechnum brasiliense is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is one of the better known and more common species of Blechnum grown in warmer climates. In cultivation in the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. As it will not tolerate temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F) it must be grown under glass all year in temperate regions.

Cultivars

Named cultivars include:

• Blechnum brasiliense 'Crispum' — segments have prominently crisped margins.
• Blechnum brasiliense ‘cristatum’ – segments are crested.
• Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' — Red Dwarf tree fern, new foliage is red.

See also

• Ferns of Argentina
• Ferns of Brazil
• Flora of Atlantic Forest (biome)