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Cheiroglossa palmata
Hand Fern
Dwarf Staghorn
Hand Adder's Tongue Fern
Synonym(s): Ophioglossum palmatum
Florida native
Endangered Florida species
A once common small fern of hammocks and cypress swamps from the central peninsula south into the Everglades. In Florida hand ferns are almost always found in the leaf bases (frond boots) of sabal palms. Hand ferns are also found on Hispaniola, in Panama and South America.
The sterile blades are palmately lobed with from two to 11 lobes. The fertile blades consist of stalked spikes totaling 1-7cm (4/10 to 2-3/4 in.) long with the stalked portion 1-2cm (4/10 to 8/10 in.) long extending from two rows along the petiole and blade margin. Typically there are about 15 of these spikes. Succulent roots may be extensive and are usually hidden in the humus of the palm boots.
It is now rare due to over-collecting and extensive drainage of natural wetlands from development and water diversion projects.
Cheiroglossa palmata is a member of the Ophiolossaceae - Adder's-tongue family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Dec 01, 2022
