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Phlegmariurus phlegmaria (L.) T.Sen & U.Sen
| Family Name: | Lycopodiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Huperzia phlegmaria (L.) Rothm., Lycopodium phlegmaria L. |
| Common Name: | Common Tassel Fern, Coarse Tassel Fern, Queensland Tassel-fern, Coarse Clubmoss, Kumpai Rantai, 垂枝石松 |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m to 0.8 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa, Western Indian Ocean (Comoros, Madagascar), Sri Lanka, Southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan), Taiwan, Japan (Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands), Indochina, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia (Queensland), New Zealand, Western Pacific (Guam, Micronesia, Fiji) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest, Temperate Forest, Mountain) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A type of fir clubmoss, one of the oldest "living fossils" of fern-allies, with fossils dating back to the Carboniferous period (~360 million years ago). Herbaceous, with short creeping rhizomes, pendulous and trailing up to 75cm. Usually epiphytic, sometimes lithophytic or terrestrial. Fairly variable species, specimens from different regions can vary widely in size. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Fronds trailing or arched, with bifurcating branching. Young fronds initially upright, but get pulled down by their own weight. Stems thin (4mm across), brownish when older. Frondlets pale green, lanceolate and flat, whorled at 90° along stem axis. Bulblets (gemmae) formed at base of upper fronds during end of each annual growth cycle. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Fertile Fronds: Fertile sections pendulous and strobiliform, distinctly differentiated from sterile foliage, 1-3 times dichotomously forked, with tiny overlapping ovate sporophylls, which contain spores that are ferilized in water.Propagation: Propagate by modfied form of stem cuttings, layering, bulbets (which fall to ground when mature, and sprout to form new plants), and spores. For stem cuttings, remove apical sections (5-15cm) from stock plant, lay horizontally on well-drained soilless media, and cover cut ends with moist media -- this can be done inside terrariums to maintain humidity. Upward-turning shoot tips are ideal for stem cuttings. Simple layering of stems from rooted plants are said to be much easier to root. New shoots should emerge from the cutting mix in 6-15 months, and can be potted up when they reach 5cm height. Recently-potted plants should be left undisturbed to aid establishment. |
| Habitat | Found on mossy trees and rocks in lowland to lower montane forests. |
| Cultivation | Reportedly second-easiest Huperzia species to "domesticate" (after Huperzia squarrosa). Prefers bright shade for good growth -- avoid exposing to full sun. Does not tolerate normal soil -- use well-drained, well-aerated but moisture-retaining soilless media such as a mixture of coconut fibre, charcoal and sphagnum moss. Likes high humidity, withstands some amount of dryness but not prolonged drought. Provide good air circulation to minimize pest attack, eg. infestation by scale insects (especially fern scales). Does not take transplanting well -- specimens should be installed at final site. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Others: Dried plant smoked and fresh leaves used in infusion as tonic or fortifier. Used as substitute for Cannibis sativa in Madagascar. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Hanging Baskets, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Poor Infertile Soils, Shallow Media |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Potential Problems | Tips of young shoots may be eaten by snails and slugs. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Storage Organ (Rhizome), Division, Air-Layering, Spore, Aerial Bulbil |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Thin |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29437 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3746 |
| 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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