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Lecanopteris sinuosa (Wall. ex Hook.) Copel.
| Family Name: | Polypodiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Polypodium sinuosum Wall., Myrmecopteris sinuosa Pichi Serm. |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | From Thailand to Vanuatu |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest, Freshwater Swamp Forest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a epiphytic fern with branched creeping rhizomes that are hollow and densely covered with scales. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The stalked fronds are pale bright green, simple, oblong to linear-shaped, rounded or slightly pointed at the tip and narrowed at the base, 15-38 cm long by 1-3.5 cm wide. The fertile fronds (spore bearing fronds) are narrower, 0.7-1.5 cm wide, and have slightly wavy margins. |
| Stems | The branched rhizome is prostrate, clinging and creeping closely to the substrate. It is covered with scales, hollow and houses ants inside, 1-2 cm thick. |
| Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | The sori are round, 2-5 mm wide, arranged in a single row on both sides of the mid rib. |
| Habitat | It grows on trees in various types of lowland forest. It is known locally from Nee Soon Swamp Forest, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Western Catchment. |
| Associated Fauna | It houses ants in its hollow stems. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by spores or division of the rhizomes. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks, gardens and even roadsides as an epiphyte on trees. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Abiotic |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Shallow Media, Easy to Grow |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31222 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5616 |
| 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. |
