ASPIDIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Aspidium is a term used in botany to refer to a genus of ferns within the larger family of Dryopteridaceae. The name "aspidium" is derived from the Greek words "aspid" and "ion," which mean "shield" and "little" respectively, alluding to the shield-like shape of the indusia, small protective coverings found on the underside of fern fronds where sporangia develop.
These ferns are characterized by their large, often evergreen fronds, which are composed of leaflets that are typically lance-shaped and pinnately divided. Aspidium ferns are commonly found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, occupying a variety of habitats such as forests, marshes, and rocky slopes. They are generally adaptable and can thrive in both shaded and sunlit environments.
Aspidium ferns reproduce through spores, which are released from the sporangia on the undersides of the fronds. They belong to the Polypodiopsida class, which includes most of the ferns found today. Some well-known species within the Aspidium genus include Aspidium filix-mas, commonly known as the male fern, and Aspidium falcatum, also known as the Japanese shield fern.
Aspidium ferns have been utilized for various purposes throughout history. In traditional medicine, certain species were used for their purported anthelmintic (worm-expelling) properties. Additionally, the fronds of these ferns have often been admired for their ornamental qualities, making them popular choices for indoor or outdoor gardens.
-
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASPIDIUM
- zspidium
- sspidium
- wspidium
- qspidium
- aapidium
- azpidium
- axpidium
- adpidium
- aepidium
- awpidium
- asoidium
- aslidium
- as-idium
- as0idium
- aspudium
- aspjdium
- aspkdium
- asp9dium
- asp8dium
- aspisium
Etymology of ASPIDIUM
The word "aspidium" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "aspís" (ἀσπίς), meaning "shield" or "buckler". This name was given to a group of ferns, as their leaves were seen to resemble the shape of a shield. Over time, "aspidium" became a term used to refer to various ferns.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
