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Adiantum peruvianum Klotzsch
| Family Name: | Pteridaceae |
| Common Name: | Silver Dollar Maidenhair, Peruvian Maidenhair |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.5 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, South to Brazil, Tropical America |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An evergreen fern with slender, wiry stipes and rachises that are 15 to 35 cm long, shiny and almost black in colour, rhizome short-creeping. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Each pinna holds a glossy green pinnule (leaflet) that is trapezoid (diamond-shaped). The two margins of the leaflet leading away from the pinna are smooth, whilst the two margins leading towards the apex are crenate. The entire fronds arch gracefully. |
| Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | Brownish-black kidney-shaped sori along the margin on the under surface of pinnules, and covered by a flap with no indusia. |
| Cultivation | Propagation commonly by division, but also possible by germinating spores. As with most ferns, it requires a high level of humidity and moisture. Soil should be kept moist but not wet. Provide bright but indirect light as direct light will scorch the fronds. |
| Etymology | The genus epithet Adiantum comes from the Greek adiantos meaning "unwettable", referring to the water-repellent fronds. The species epithet peruvianum refers to the fern being native in Peru. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, 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, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 242 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1538 |
| 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. |
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