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Nephrolepis acutifolia (Desv.) Christ

Family Name:	Nephrolepidaceae
Synonyms:	Lindsaea acutifolia Desv.
Common Name:	Paku Uban Bukit

Nephrolepis acutifolia or Paku Uban Bukit is a native fern that grows terrestrially or as an epiphyte. Fronds are long, drooping of up to 1.5 m or more. The leaflets (pinnae) are linear to lance-shaped with a short broad tip and smooth margins. The base of the leaflet are boxy, heart-shaped to rounded, ear-like lobes may be present. Unlike most Nephrolepis species which produce kidney-shaped sori on the underside of the leaflet, this species produce linear sori along the margins.

Semi Shade

Moderate Water

Occasional Misting

Native to Singapore

Suitable for Hanging Baskets

Ornamental Leaves

Shallow Media

Ferns and Lycophytes

Herbaceous Plant

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

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
Plant Shape	Weeping / Pendulous
Maximum Height	1.5 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Cameroon to Kenya and Mozambique, West Indian Ocean, Thailand to Pacific Islands
Native Habitat	Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Coastal Forest, Freshwater Swamp Forest)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a fern that can grow terrestrially or as an epiphyte. It produce creeping rhizomes densely packed with scales.
Foliage	Its long drooping fronds measures up to 1.5 m or more. Each leaflet (pinnae) is linear to lance-shaped with a short broad tip with smooth margins. The base is boxy or heart-shaped to round base, irregular ear-like lobes may be observed. The stalk (stipe) is dark brown coloured, densely covered in scales measuring between 15 - 18 cm long. Scales are brown, woolly, found along the stalk, midrib and underside of the leaflet.
Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant	Sori are produced along the margins on both sides of the leaflets, covered with a protective membrane.

Habitat	Occurs at low elevations (sea level up to 200 m). Usually epiphytic, also often on trees and palms and coastal vegetation (on mangroves) and cliff faces.
Cultivation	It prefers shallow and well drained media. Propagation can be done by spores or stolons.
Etymology	Its genus, Nephrolepis translates to 'kidney-scale' in Greek, in reference to the shape of the indusia (an outgrowth from the frond that serves as a protective covering for the sporangia) of the sori. The species acutifolia translates to 'acute leaves' in Latin, referring to the leaf blades.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses	Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Suitable for Hanging Baskets

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Seed or Spore Dispersal	Abiotic

Plant Care and Propagation

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

Rootzone Tolerance	Shallow Media, Well-Drained Soils, Moist Soils
Propagation Method	Spore, Stolon / Runner

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Foliar Type	Compound

Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Basal
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s)
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acute
Foliar Base	Cordate, Truncate / Square, Rounded / Obtuse

Non - Foliar and Storage

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

References

References	Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (continuously updated). Plants of the World Online \| Kew Science. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17046410-1. Accessed 13 July 2022. Hovenkamp, P.H. & Miyamoto, F. (2012). Nephrolepidaceae. Flora Malesiana - Series II, Vol. 4, pp. 97 - 122. National Herbarium of the Netherlands Leiden

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Master ID	257
Species ID	1553
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.