The fern species Asplenium rutamuraria is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /æˈspliːniəm rʌtəmjuːˈrɛərɪə/. The word begins with the vowel sound "æ" as in "cat," followed by "spl" which is pronounced like "splint." The "e" in "Asplenium" is silent, while "rutamuraria" is pronounced with a stressed "u" sound in "rut" and "a" in "aria." The "t" sounds in both "rut" and "tum" are pronounced separately. The word's unique and precise spelling is crucial to accurately identifying this specific type of fern.
Asplenium rutamuraria is a species of fern belonging to the family Aspleniaceae, commonly known as the rustyback fern. This perennial plant is characterized by its distinct growth habit and unique fronds, making it easily identifiable among other fern species.
The Asplenium rutamuraria fern typically grows in shady and moist environments such as woodlands, forests, and rocky slopes. It is native to various regions across Europe, including the Mediterranean and the British Isles. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with moderate levels of moisture.
The fronds of Asplenium rutamuraria are pinnate, meaning that they are divided into smaller segments known as pinnae. These pinnae are oblong in shape and have a characteristic rusty-brown or reddish coloration on their undersides, which gives the fern its common name. The upper surface of the fronds is typically bright green, providing a beautiful contrast to the rusty undersides.
Asplenium rutamuraria is a dioecious fern, which means that individual plants can either produce male or female reproductive structures. The fern reproduces through spores that are released from the undersides of the fronds and dispersed by wind or water.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Asplenium rutamuraria has been historically used for medicinal purposes. It is believed to possess diuretic and expectorant properties and has been used in traditional folk medicine to treat various ailments. However, it is important to note that the use of this plant for medicinal purposes should be done under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional.
Wall-rue, are mildly stimulant and astringent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Asplenium rutamuraria" is a scientific binomial name that follows the conventions of Linnaean taxonomy. It consists of two parts: the genus name and the species epithet.
1. Asplenium: The genus name "Asplenium" comes from the Latin word "asplēnion", which is derived from the Greek word "asplēnon". In Greek, "a-" means "without", and "splēn" means "spleen". This is because plants in the genus Asplenium were traditionally believed to have medicinal properties and were used as remedies for spleen and liver diseases.
2. rutamuraria: The species epithet "rutamuraria" is derived from Latin. The word "ruta" means "rue", a type of evergreen shrub, and "mūrārium" means "growing on walls".