Nephrolepis exaltata

Most of the Nephrolepis cultivars currently in cultivation derive from Nephrolepis cv. ʻbostoniensisʼ, which is conventionally associated with N. exaltata (Benedict, 1916a). An overview of the most frequently cultivated forms is given by Hoshizaki & Moran (2001).

Morton (1958) suggested that ʻbostoniensisʼ was possibly a hybrid with N. exaltata as one parent. Its constant sterility, morphological instability and vegetative vigour indicate a hybrid origin, but there is no reason to assume that N. exaltata is involved as parent, when we consider that N. x hippocrepicis , which originated well outside the distribution area of N. exaltata, exactly mimics the morphology of N. exaltata, and another such hybrid may equally well have given rise to ʻbostoniensisʼ .