Orginated from Mexico, Central and South America, West Indies. Considered "often a weedy plant" by Standley (1927) in describing ferns of the Panama Canal Zone, a plant "able to persist in partly denuded areas" of Barro Colorado Island. Also noted by Kenoyer (1928) as remaining common in "pioneer forest" areas on the island 50 years after abandoned agricultural cultivation. Listed as a category I invasive species by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). • from PlantAtlas