Name
Family Name | |
Genus Epithet | |
Species Epithet | |
Name Authority | |
Name Status (botanical) | |
Common Names | |
Comments |
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Ferns & Allies (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Widespread in Old World Tropics from West Africa to Tahiti, northwards to South China and Southeast Asia |
Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Inland Cliff, Agricultural Land, Secondary Rainforest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Epiphytic or lithophytic rhizomatous fern with fronds up to 1.6 m in length. |
Foliage | Fronds leathery, pale - light green, narrowly oblong to lanceolate, measuring 1.6 m long by 15 cm wide. Mid-rib raised on both surfaces of the frond, light green. Other veins rather faint or obscure (in living specimens). |
Others - Plant Morphology | Sori small and round, scattered irregularly on undersurface of frond, measuring 0.2 cm long. |
Etymology | Genus Microsorum refers to the small-sized sori. Species punctatum means "with a pock-marked surface or spotted". |
Landscaping Features
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Skyrise / Balcony, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Hanging Basket |
Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade, [Remarks] (Does best if grown in semi shade, but will tolerate being grown in full sun, or in heavily shaded areas) |
Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water, Occasional Misting, [Remarks] (This species is able to tolerate short periods of drought / dryness at the root zones, but will thrive in areas with good humidity and/or moisture levels.) |
Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
Image Repository
Images |
Others
Master ID | 31534 |
Species ID | 5933 |
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. |