Rumohra adiantiformis

Rumohra adiantiformis
240px
Conservation status
Apparently Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pteridophyta
Class:	Pteridopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Family:	Elaphoglossaceae
Genus:	Rumohra
Species:	R. adiantiformis
Binomial name
Rumohra adiantiformis (G.Forst.) Ching

Rumohra adiantiformis, commonly called leatherleaf fern, leathery shieldfern, iron fern, 7-weeks-fern, and climbing shield fern, is a species of fern in the family Elaphoglossaceae.

The fronds of R. adiantiformis contain round sori (reproductive clusters) on the underside of the pinnae (leaflets) unlike many other ferns which have separate specialized reproductive fronds. Many of the sori have peltate indusia and have prominent scales on the stipes of the fronds. This species has a broad distribution; for example, Rumohra adiantiformis is found in the Old World as well as the New World, including such diverse places as Colombia, Galápagos Islands, Australia, and New Zealand. An example plant association of R. adiantiformis is found in the podocarp/broadleaf forests of Westland, New Zealand, with flora associates including Ascarina lucida, Pseudowintera colorata, Pseudopanax colensoi, Cyathea smithii and Blechnum discolor.

The fern is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is used as a groundcover and in floral arrangements. It is of economic importance in Brazil, where thousands of people generate their income by wild-harvesting and selling the fronds.