Back
Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J.Sm.
| Family Name: | Dennstaedtiaceae |
| Common Name: | Bat's wing fern, Water fern, Oak fern |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Terrestrial fern, creeping habit. |
|---|---|
| Roots | Rhizomes creeping, scaly and with brown hairs, measuring about 3 - 6 mm long. |
| Foliage | Soft, yellowish-green fronds, tri-pinnate, measuring about 0.5 - 2. 5 m by 0.15 - 1 m. Primary pinnae arising at narrow angles, sessile, opposite, measuring about 13 - 60 cm by 5 - 35 cm. Secondary pinnae arising at wide angles, opposite, measuring about 5 - 20 cm by 2 - 8 cm. Tertiary pinnae measuring about 1 - 4 cm by 0.5 - 1.5 cm, sometimes can be divided into quaternary pinnae. |
| Stems | Stipe smooth, maybe with a few scales, dark brown, measuring about 0.15 - 1.5 m long and 5 - 10 mm wide. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Sori arranged continuously along upper and lower margins, covered by reflexed membranous lamina margin, absence of indusia. Spores are pale and tuberculate. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
|---|---|
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32152 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6558 |
| 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. |