Lophosoria is a genus of terrestrial ferns belonging to the family Dicksoniaceae. It is characterized by its distinctively lobed fronds, which give it its common name, "crested buckler fern." The genus name, Lophosoria, is derived from the Greek words "lophos," meaning "crest" or "tuft," and "soros," which translates to "a heap of spores."
These ferns are native to various regions around the world, including South America, New Zealand, and some Pacific islands. They typically prefer shady and moist environments, such as forest understories, where they can thrive in the organic-rich soils. Lophosoria ferns are generally medium to large-sized, and they may reach heights of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet).
The fronds of Lophosoria are a defining characteristic of the genus, featuring several lobes or divisions. These lobed fronds are deeply cut, somewhat resembling the shape of a deer's antlers or the buckler of a shield, hence the common name. The lobes themselves may sometimes be finely divided as well. The foliage has a leathery texture, and the fronds grow in a symmetrical crown or shuttlecock-like arrangement.
Lophosoria ferns reproduce via the production of spores, which are typically found in clusters or sori on the undersides of the fronds. Upon maturation, these spores are released and dispersed by wind or other natural factors, allowing for the fern's reproduction and expansion.
Due to their attractive appearance and adaptability to cultivation, some species of Lophosoria, such as Lophosoria quadripinnata, are occasionally grown as ornamental plants in
