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Pteris ensiformis
Family Name: | Pteridaceae |
Common Name: | Sword Brake, Slender Brake, Paku Padang, 剑叶凤尾蕨 |
Name
Family Name | |
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Comments |
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Ferns & Allies (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Tropical & Subtropical Asia to Pacific |
Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Cryptogenic |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Fern with a creeping slender rhizome, bearing fronds closely together, able to grow up to 20 - 40 cm tall. |
Foliage | Fronds are dimorphic, fertile frond blade measuring up to 30 cm long and stipe measuring about 30 - 50 cm long, infertile frond blade measuring up to 15 cm long and stipe measuring about 5 - 15 cm long. |
Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | Sori arranged linearly and submarginal, indusia is pale green in colour. |
Etymology | Genus Pteris is from the Greek word "pteruc" which is the Greek name of a fern. Species ensiformis means having "sword-shaped" leaves. |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal ( A decoction of the fronds is used to treat dysentery. ) |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Image Repository
Images |
Others
Master ID | 270 |
Species ID | 1566 |
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. |