Adiantum trapeziforme

Maidenhair ferns, genus Adiantum, grow on the ground and on rocks. Species in the genus are mainly identified by this feature: • The spore-producing sporangia are produced along one side of the smallest division of a compound leaf, the "pinnule," in structures consisting of turned-under flaps of the pinnule's margin, known as "false indusia"; the false indusia are separated from one another as shown at the left. Among the 245 or so accepted Adiantum species, Adiantum trapeziforme is further distinguished by these features: • Blades are 2-4 times pinnately divided. • The final segments, the pinnules, are relatively large, up to 5cm long and 2cm across (~2 x inches). • The pinnules usually have a trapeziform shape. • Blade stipes are dark purple to blackish and lustrous, of nearly half the blade's length and hairless; where the stipe extends into the blade as the rachis, it's dark purple. ==Distribution==

Adiantum trapeziforme is native to parts of Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles south through Central America, Trinidad and possibly Venezuela.. Citizen scientists contributing to iNaturalist appear to have observed the species in other locations as well, particularly in Indonesia and Oceania. ==Habitat==

Adiantum trapeziforme occurs in wet forests and secondary forests, from lower elevations to 1000 meters (~3300 feet). ==Traditional uses==

Adiantum trapeziforme has been documented used to treat snakebite and to help girls from being bothered when walking along the road. Also, the fronds are used as decorations.{{cite journal ==Taxonomy==

Within the family Pteridaceae, Adiantum trapeziforme belongs to the subfamily Adiantoideae. The species Adiantum trapeziforme has been known by these synonyms: ==Etymology==

The genus name Adiantum derives from the Greek adiantos, meaning "unwetted," in reference to the hairless leaves which shed raindrops. ==Gallery==

Adiantum trapeziforme (1).jpg| Adiantum trapeziforme pinnule size compared to a hand Adiantum trapeziforme (3).jpg| Adiantum trapeziforme compound leaf Ferns- British and exotic (10292134023).jpg| Adiantum trapeziforme ==References==