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Sphenomeris chinensis (L.) Maxon
| Family Name: | Dennstaedtiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Lindsaea chinensis |
| Common Name: | Lace Fern |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Hawaii, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines and Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Terrestrial fern with a short creeping rhizome. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Hairless glossy light green 3-pinnate fronds, measuring about 15 - 85 cm long, basal pinnae are the largest and becomes smaller towards the tip of frond, pinnules are wedged-shaped at the terminus. |
| Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | Sori are borne singly or in pairs at the end of the wedge-shaped pinnules. Spores are smooth and brown in colour. |
| Habitat | Found in wet forests, grasslands, forest openings and disturbed areas like trails and roads. Grows from sea level to an elevation of at least 4000 ft. |
| Etymology | Genus name Sphenomeris is from the Greek word sphen and meros, which means wedge and part and is in reference to the wedge-shaped pinnules. Species name chinensis refers to the origin from China. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: Early Hawaiians used the fronds to make a dark brownish-red dye for kapa fabric. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32221 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6627 |
| 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. |