Caribbean spleenwort
Asplenium rhomboidale
The Caribbean spleenwort is a small epiphytic fern with distinctive diamond-shaped (rhomboid) fronds that typically grows 10-30 cm in length. This delicate fern species plays an important ecological role in tropical forest ecosystems by contributing to epiphyte diversity and providing microhabitats for small invertebrates on tree trunks and branches.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Steve Maldonado Silvestrini, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Steve Maldonado Silvestrini
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Polypodiopsida
Order
Polypodiales
Family
Aspleniaceae
Genus
Asplenium
Caribbean spleenwort belongs to the family Aspleniaceae, order Polypodiales, within the Polypodiopsida class.
Species Profile
The Caribbean spleenwort is a small epiphytic fern with distinctive diamond-shaped (rhomboid) fronds that typically grows 10-30 cm in length. This delicate fern species plays an important ecological role in tropical forest ecosystems by contributing to epiphyte diversity and providing microhabitats for small invertebrates on tree trunks and branches.
Caribbean spleenwort faces significant threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Caribbean range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, while invasive plant species compete for suitable growing sites on rocky substrates and forest margins.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This fern species typically grows on limestone rocks, cliff faces, and rocky outcrops in tropical dry forests and coastal areas of the Caribbean islands. It can also be found in disturbed habitats such as old walls, road cuts, and forest edges where suitable rocky substrates are available.
Threats
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Habitat loss from urban development
Climate change impacts on suitable habitat
Invasive species competition
Limited geographic range
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Caribbean spleenwort (Asplenium rhomboidale). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/caribbean-spleenwort