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Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J.Sm.

Family Name:	Polypodiaceae
Synonyms:	Aglaomorpha quercifolia
Common Name:	Oak Leaf Fern, Daun Kepala Tupai, Sakat Laipang, 栎叶槲蕨

Semi Shade

Little Water

Occasional Misting

Native to Singapore

Suitable for Roadsides

Ornamental Leaves

Ferns and Lycophytes

Epiphyte

Herbaceous Plant

Plant Division	Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern)
Plant Growth Form	Epiphyte, Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Maximum Height	1.5 m

Native Distribution	Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, and tropical Australia
Native Habitat	Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Freshwater Swamp Forest, Riverine, Disturbed Area / Open Ground)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC))

Growth Form	It is an epiphytic fern with a rhizome (horizontal stem) that is thick and fleshy with many scales, giving it a woolly appearance. The scales are dark brown and narrowed gradually to the tip.
Foliage	Its simple, lobed fronds (leaves) develop as 2 distinct types, nest and foliage fronds. The nest fronds are sessile, 40 by 30 cm, sterile, long-persisting, capture debris as humus for the plant, and protect the rhizome from exposure to sunlight and wind. The foliage fronds are stalked, 130 by 40 cm, fertile, lobed almost to the midribs, deciduous, drooping, and bear sori when mature. The blades split from the midrib when a foliage frond is old or experiences harsh external conditions.
Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant	Its sori are round and exindusiate (not covered by a membrane). They are arranged in a regular row on both sides of the main veins. Its spores are dispersed by wind.

Cultivation	It can be propagated by spores.
Etymology	Drynaria, derived from the Greek term dryas, oak-shaped leaf, referring to the leaf shape of the fern; Latin quercifolia, with leaves that are like those of oak, Quercus-folium
Ethnobotanical Uses	Medicinal: The plant extract is sprinkled on patients to relieve fever. The pounded leaf can be applied to treat swellings.

Landscaping	It is suitable for parks and roadsides as an epiphyte on trees or lithophyte on walls.
Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses	Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall

Light Preference	Semi-Shade
Water Preference	Little Water, Occasional Misting
Plant Growth Rate	Fast to Moderate

Propagation Method

Spore

Images

Master ID	252
Species ID	1548
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.

Species record last updated on: 30 November 2023.

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