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Dipteris conjugata Reinw.
| Family Name: | Dipteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Dipteris horsfieldii (R.Br.) Bedd., Polypodium horsfieldii R.Br. |
| Common Name: | Paku Payung, Broad-leaf Fern, 破傘蕨, Bua Chaek |
Dipteris conjugata or Paku Payung is a terrestrial fern with spreading rhizomes that can form dense thickets of 2 m tall. Mature fronds are palm-like, comprised of 2 equal halves. Each half is dissected irreguarly for 2 - 3 times with its final division tapering to a narrow pointed tip. Margins are serrated, glaucous on the underside with yellowish-brown forked veins. Sori are scattered on the underside, rhizomes are covered in purplish-brown or black, dense, stiff, glossy hairs.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Maximum Height | 2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, throughout Malesia to Australia, Pacific Island and Singapore except for Perlis and Melaka |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Mountain), Shoreline (Coastal Cliff, Rocky Beach) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Highland / Montane |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a terrestrial fern with spreading rhizomes which forms thickets of up to 2 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Young fronds are reddish brown with silk brown hairs beneath. When mature, fronds become almost smooth (glabrescent), a bluish grey or sea-green layer (glaucous) on the underside. The fronds are held horizontally, comprised of 2 equal halves. Each half is spilt irregularly for 2 - 3 times. The final division tapers to a narrow pointed tip with distinct toothed margins and yellowish brown forked veins on the underside. The fronds are variably-sized, usually measuring 30 - 80 cm long and may reach up to 1 m wide held on an erect, reddish-brown stalk of 2 m or more. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Spore bearing structures known as sori are scattered all over on the underside. Rhizomes are up to 14 mm thick covered in dense, stiff, glossy hairs which are purplish brown or black. |
| Habitat | Occurs along steep rocky shores, open sites within montane forests with nutrients-poor soil, exposed mountain ridges or summits up to 1700 m in altitude. |
| Cultivation | The fern is known to thrive along steep roadside embankments, nutrients-poor soils. <1 & 2> |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Traditional Medicinal Uses
In Fiji, Paku Payung, commonly known as "Koukoutagane" is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments suffered by men <3>. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Poor Infertile Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green, Silver / Grey |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Palmate) |
| Foliar Venation | Recticulate |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
References
| References | <1> Jaman, R. (2013) Dipteris. In: Kiew, R., Chung, R.C.K., Saw, L.G. & Soepadmo, E. (ed.) Dipteraceae. Flora of Peninsular Malaysia, ser. I: Ferns and Lycophytes, vol. 2, pp. 7-9. Selangor: Forest Research Institute Malaysia. <2> Lok. A.F.S.L., Ang, W.F. & Tan, H.T.W. (2009). The status and distribution in Singapore of Dipteris conjugata Reinw. (Dipteridaceae). Nature in Singapore 2:339-345. <3> Parham, H.B.R. (1940). Fiji Plants. Their names and uses. Supplement to the Journal of the Polynesian Society 16(3): 39. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29642 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3951 |
| 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. |