138.500 Adiantum L. - Maidenhair fern

Rhizome shortly or widely creeping with brown rhizome-scales. Stipe dark brown or black, shiny. Fronds herbaceous, 1-4-pinnate or pedate, with ultimate segments fan- to diamond-shaped, glabrous or hairy, or sometimes with yellow powder on under surface. Sori borne on the inner surface of marginal reflexed lobes which also serve as pseudo-indusia.

Derivation of name: adiantos: dry, untouched by water; referring to the ability of the leaves to remain dry in rain, the water forming pearly droplets on the surface

Worldwide: 200 species, pantropical but mainly South America and southern Africa

DRC: 2 taxa.