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Asplenium scolopendrium

Asplenium scolopendrium

9.9
A fern from Europe and Asia with long tongue-shaped leaves that grows in moist shade
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : Asplenium scolopendrium
  • Gardeners value Asplenium scolopendrium for its unique, undivided fronds and ability to thrive in moist, shaded areas.

Examples

  • The shady woodland was covered in Asplenium scolopendrium, giving the ground a lush green appearance.

  • Botanists noted the presence of Asplenium scolopendrium along the riverbank during their survey.

  • The Asplenium scolopendrium thrives in moist, shaded areas.

  • I found an Asplenium scolopendrium in the garden.

  • During their walk in the forest, the hikers spotted a beautiful patch of Asplenium scolopendrium growing near the stream.

  • Many ferns, including Asplenium scolopendrium, prefer damp and shady environments to flourish.

  • The gardener planted several Asplenium scolopendrium to create a lush green backdrop in the landscape design.

Synonyms

Phyllitis scolopendrium
vsAsplenium scolopendrium
  • Archaic
9.9

A fern with long green leaves shaped like a tongue that grows in damp places

is the scientific name for that exact species
hart's-tongue fern
vsAsplenium scolopendrium
9.9

A fern with long flat leathery leaves that grows in shade

is the formal species name used in scientific contexts
hart's-tongue
vsAsplenium scolopendrium
9.9

A fern with long flat green leaves that look like a tongue

is the full species label specifying the Eurasian member
scolopendrium
vsAsplenium scolopendrium
  • Specialized
9.9

A fern with long narrow leaves that look like a millipede

focuses on simple lance-shaped fronds rather than narrow ones

Surface Forms

Morphology

Asplenium + Scolopendrium

Both constituent words are botanical nouns referring to ferns, so their combination as a binomial clearly denotes a specific fern species; a learner who knows both constituents can infer it names a type of fern. The genus+species naming convention (Latin binomial) is a transparent, compositional pattern used cross-linguistically in scientific nomenclature, aiding comprehension.

Etymology

Asplenium scolopendrium is the scientific name for the fern often called 'hart's-tongue'. The second word, scolopendrium, and the common name come from the plant's long, flat leaves that look like a deer's 'tongue', so that clear image helps you remember this fern.