PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.DraftCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Acrostichum aureum
Golden Leather Fern
L.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive, clump-forming, deeply robust halophytic fern that ranks among the largest pteridophytes in the world. It features huge, erect, once-pinnate fronds with a remarkably thick, leathery (coriaceous) texture and a glossy, dark green hue. The younger developing stalks frequently display striking golden-bronze or copper tones. Unlike most ferns, the reproductive structures are not organized into distinct dots (sori); instead, a brilliant, felt-like layer of golden-brown to rich brick-red sporangia completely coats the undersides of the specialized fertile pinnae situated at the upper tips of the fronds.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Polypodiopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Polypodiales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pteridaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Acrostichum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Widely distributed throughout pantropical coastal zones, coastal marshes, and estuarine environments worldwide. It thrives primarily along the landward margins of mangrove forests, interior brackish swamps, coastal lagoons, and wet saline lowlands. It is highly efficient at establishing itself in areas with high light exposure and fluctuating water levels where salt concentrations are moderate to high.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Acts as a dominant, long-lived macro-pteridophyte colonizer. It plays a major role in sediment accumulation along tropical shorelines. It exhibits opportunistic growth patterns, expanding rapidly via clonal rhizome division when high-light gaps open in coastal canopies, effectively building thick peat-like mounds over time.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 350.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Evolved high halophytic salt tolerance through efficient root ultrafiltration mechanisms and thick, heavily cutinized, waxy leather-like leaves that significantly reduce water loss through transpiration under brutal coastal winds and intense sun exposure.
Features an extensively deep, heavy, fibrous rhizomatous root mat that provides massive physical stabilization against soft, shifting intertidal mud, anchoring the plant firmly during coastal storms and high tidal currents.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Globally robust and resilient, its main localized threats stem from intensive coastal real estate development, mangrove clearing for shrimp aquaculture ponds, and absolute structural destruction of tidal wetlands.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Acrostichum aureum is one of the very few ferns on Earth capable of surviving and thriving in full-strength saltwater environments, a niche dominated almost exclusively by woody mangrove trees.
Due to its aggressive, fast growth when mangrove forest canopies are cleared, it can form dense, impenetrable monolithic stands that prevent the natural re-establishment of mangrove tree seedlings, acting as a ecological pioneer.