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Microsorum scolopendria (Burm.f.) Copel.
| Family Name: | Polypodiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm.f.) Pic.Serm., Phymatodes scolopendria (Burm.f.) Ching, Pleopeltis phymatodes (L.) T.Moore, Polypodium phymatodes L. |
| Common Name: | Paku Wangi, Wart Fern, Sakat Hitam, 瘤蕨 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte, Lithophyte, Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Africa, Sri Lanka, Southern China, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Agricultural Land, Secondary Rainforest, Coastal Forest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground), Shoreline (Coastal Cliff, Rocky Beach) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphytic or lithophytic fern with long creeping rhizomes. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Fronds light green, leathery, to 40cm long by 40cm wide, deeply lobed, with up to 6 lateral lobes; mid rib and main veins of lobes raised on both surfaces. Fronds of juvenile plants often simple and elliptic to narrowly ovate in outline. Sori rusty orange- brown, round - elliptic, set in irregular rows on either sides of the midrib, sunken or in shallow pits, raised on upper upper surface. |
| Etymology | Genus Phymatosorus means "warted" and with reference to the sori. Species scolopendria refers to the numerous sori and comparing the arrangement to the legs of a millipede. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: Fronds are fragrant (contains coumarin) and are used to perfume clothes & coconut oil |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal, Beachfront / Shoreline, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Riverine, Groundcover, Skyrise / Balcony, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Leathery |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 264 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1560 |
| 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. |
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