Adiantum × mairisii (/adiˌantəm bʌɪ mɛːɪsɪˌʌɪ/)[1] (also known as Mairis maidenhair fern) is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae.

Adiantum × mairisii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Pteridaceae
Genus: Adiantum
Species:
A. × mairisii
Binomial name
Adiantum × mairisii
T.Moore
Synonyms

Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Mairisii'

Taxonomy

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This species is a sterile hybrid between the southern maidenhair (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and another unknown species. The species is hypothesised to be:

  • Adiantum raddianum
  • Adiantum aethiopicum
  • Adiantum cuneatum

This species is more frost-resistant than either of its parents.[2][1]

Discovery

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Thomas Moore, who collected ferns during the Victorian period named the hybrid in the second half of the 19th century. It was described in his book, titled: "Nature-Printed British Ferns".[2][3]

Cultivation

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This species has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4]

The reason why this fern species is popular is due to its winter-hardiness relative to other species in the genus. The UK hardiness rating is H5, while the USDA zone range is 8-10.[4]

Soil

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This plant thrives in organic soils under partial shade, although it can also grow in sand or clay. The soil should be light, moist, rich and well-drained.[2][1][4]

Foliage

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In mild climates, this hybrid is evergreen. But in colder climates, it may defoliate throughout the winter. In spring, new fronds may form, where it is recommended to be pruned.[4][2]

Plants and diseases

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This species is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Adiantum x mairisii (Hardy Maidenhair Fern, Mairis's Hardy Maidenhair Fern, Mairis's Maidenhair Fern) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
  2. ^ a b c d "Pacific Horticulture | Pacific Plant Promotions: Adiantum xmairisii". Pacific Horticulture. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
  3. ^ "Nature-Printed British Ferns: Being Figures and Descriptions of the Species and Varieties of Ferns Found in the United Kingdom". www.metmuseum.org. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Adiantum x mairisii | Mairis maidenhair fern/RHS Gardening". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-21.