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Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link
| Family Name: | Pteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Acrostichum austroamericana, Acrostichum calomelanos, Acrostichum ochracea, Gymnogramma calomelas |
| Common Name: | Silver Fern, Silverback Fern, Dixie Silverback Fern, 粉叶蕨 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Creeper |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico, Central and South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Short, erect rhizome which is covered with scales, upright fronds, can reach up to about 30 - 45 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Stipes measuring to about 20 - 30 cm long, fronds oblong, acuminate apex, bipinnate and fern blade measuring about 15 - 30 cm long and 10 - 15 cm wide. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Sporangia is placed along the veins and freely throughout the lower surface of fronds. |
| Etymology | Genus Pityrogramma is derived from the Greek word "pitura-gramma" and refers to the lower surface of the fronds becoming obscured by rod-like secretions. Species calomelanos is derived from the Greek word "kalo-melanw" and it means "beautifully dark". |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: It quickly accumulates arsenic and has potential for use in cleansing soil and water contaminated by arsenic. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Phytoremediation (Ground / Water Contaminant(s)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Shallow Media |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Silver / Grey |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Acaulescent |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 265 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1561 |
| 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. |
