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Bolbitis heteroclita (C. Presl) Ching (Difformis Group)
| Family Name: | Dryopteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Arachniodes difformis, Arachniodes sp. (misapplied) |
| Common Name: | Bolbitis Mini, Creeping Fern, El Nino Fern, Asian Water Fern, 长叶实蕨 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 0.05 m to 0.07 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Not applicable (has cultivar status) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small, aquatic fern that forms short mats. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Fronds are pinnately compound. The pinnae are pinnatifid, finely dissected into small, unequal-sized segments that have 2 - 4 small, pointed tips. |
| Cultivation | This species is easy to grow. Provide low to medium levels of indirect light. It grows best in a very humid environment, such as a terrarium. For cultivation within terrariums, place a mixture of perlite and charcoal granules (3 - 5 cm thick) at the bottom of a 4 - 8 L container for drainage. Add a 5 cm layer of moist, sterile potting soil and transplant several individuals together. It is possible to grow this species submerged, but growth will be slower. Use very soft to moderately hard water in aquariums. |
| Etymology | The genus "Bolbitis" is derived from the Greek word "bolbos" meaning bulb. The reference is to the small veins running through the pinnae of the fronds. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This species is best grown indoors. The fine texture of the fronds creates a delicate, feathery appearance. It will grow well in a terrarium with other humidity-loving plants. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Terrarium, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting, Aquarium / Aquascape |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Margin | Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29733 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4042 |
| 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. |