Aspleniaceae has a , meaning it is found almost everywhere except Antarctica and the extreme Arctic. They are exceptionally versatile in their growth habits:

Aspleniaceae , popularly known as the , is a large and diverse group of leptosporangiate ferns within the order Polypodiales . Comprising over 700 to 800 species, this family is one of the most successful lineages of modern ferns, defined by its remarkable adaptability to various global environments—ranging from deep tropical rainforests to vertical rock faces in temperate mountain ranges. Taxonomic Classification and Evolution

Historically, several other genera like Camptosorus (walking ferns), Ceterach (rustybacks), and Phyllitis (hart’s-tongue ferns) were recognized separately based on their unique leaf shapes. However, molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that these groups are nested within Asplenium , leading to their inclusion in the broader genus to maintain a natural classification.