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Dicranopteris subpectinata (Christ) C.M.Kuo

Family Name:	Gleicheniaceae
Synonyms:	Dicranopteris linearis var. subpectinata (Christ) Holttum, Dicranopteris warburgii (Christ) Nakai, Gleichenia subpectinata Christ, Gleichenia warburgii Christ

Dicranopteris subpectinata is a fern native to Singapore. This terrestrial fern has long-creeping rhizomes and foliage with unequal branching. Its ultimate branch bears deeply lobed pinnatifid leaflets with pale, greyish blue underside. The sori are round, arranged on either sides of the blade. Given its fast-growing nature, it can quickly form large dense bushes known as thickets in exposed sites.

Semi Shade

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Ferns and Lycophytes

Herbaceous Plant

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Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern)
Plant Growth Form	Herbaceous Plant

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Andaman Islands, Borneo, Malaya, Maluku, Philippines, Sumatra, Taiwan, Thailand
Native Habitat	Terrestrial (Disturbed Area / Open Ground, Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Riverine)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a terrestrial fern with creeping rhizomes which forms thickets, large dense bushes easily.
Foliage	The foliage branch out several times, each fork alternately with unequal branching. The ultimate branch measures about 9 - 15 cm long, 2 - 3.5 cm wide bears a deeply lobed, pinnatifid leaflet. The underside are pale, greyish blue, veins slightly raised on both sides.
Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant	The sori are round, produced on either sides of the leaf blade in a single line.

Others - Plant Morphology	The rhizomes are long-creeping, covered in hairs.
Habitat	Occurs at edges of forest, in thickets, from sea level up to 700 m.
Cultivation	It can be propagated by spores, rhizome cuttings or division.

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Semi-Shade
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Fast to Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance	Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method	Spore, Storage Organ (Rhizome)

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green, Green - Bluish Green
Foliar Type	Compound (Even-Pinnate)
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Linear, Oblong)

Foliar Margin	Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acuminate, Retuse, Rounded
Foliar Base	Attenuate

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification	Herbaceous
Root Type	Underground (Fibrous Root)
Specialised Storage Organ(s)	Underground (Rhizome)

References

References	Holttum, R.E. (1959). Dicranopteris. In: Holttum, R.E. (ed.) Gleicheniaceae. Flora Malesiana, ser. 2, Pteridophyta, vol. 1, pt. 1, pp. 35. Leiden: Rijksherbarium.

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Master ID	34283
Species ID	8696
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.

Species record last updated on: 15 March 2023.