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Sphaerostephanos polycarpos (Blume) Copel.
| Family Name: | Thelypteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Cyclosorus polycarpos (Blume) Holttum |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Allies (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
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| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Malesia |
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| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a large terrestrial fern up 2.5 m tall, with large upright rhizomes. |
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| Foliage | The frond is oblong-lance shaped, about 100 cm long and 50 cm wide comprised of numerous lobed pinnatifid leaflets with its largest measuring around 25 cm long and 1.8 cm wide. Leaflets are oblong, rounded or wide tip with an asymmetric base. Leaflets found along the stalk are reduced to triangular, butterfly-like projections extending towards the base of the stalk. |
| Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | The sori are elongated, produced on the veinlets about 1 mm long. Yellow glands are found on both the sori and indusia. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Rhizomes are covered in narrow brown scales up to 20 mm long and 1.2 mm wide. |
| Habitat | On rather dry grounds, in open places from low to medium altitude of 1500 m. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet polycarpos means "multiple fruit", referring to the numerous sori on the underside of the leaves. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This fern is suitable for planting in parks and gardens in open areas. |
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| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
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Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
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| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Spore |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Papery |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Bipinnate) |
| Foliar Shape(s) | |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Oblique / Asymmetrical |
References
| References | Holttum, R.E. (1981). Thelypteris. In: Holttum, R.E. (eds). Thelypteridaceae. Flora Malesiana, ser. 2, Pteridophyta, vol. 1, pt. 5, pp. 448 - 449. Leiden: Rijksherbarium. Tagawa, M. & Iwatsuki, K. (1988). Flora of Thailand, vol. 3(3), pp. 416. Bangkok: Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31146 |
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| Species ID | 5539 |
| 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. |