The type specimen was collected in the vicinity of Nabúa, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines by Luis Née.

[12] The fern rapidly spread in South Florida's public conservation lands.

Insects (Austromusotima camptozonale, Neomusotima conspurcatalis) and mites (Floracarus perrepae) have been released in several state parks to control the fern.

Although some populations were devastated by a bout of cold weather, recently, reports of new activity have been made.

[10] Lygodium microphyllum has been used locally in folk medicine to treat skin ailments and problems, swelling and dysentery.