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Adiantum latifolium Lam.
| Family Name: | Pteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Adiantum fovearum Raddi, Adiantum lucidum Mett. ex E. Fourn. var. bipinnatum |
Name
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 |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | S. Mexico to Tropical America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Terrestrial fern to 20cm tall. forming dense stands where growing conditions are ideal. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Fronds to 30cm in length, mid green, in younger specimens often pinnate, with the lamina becoming bipinnate at base and simple pinnate at the apex in mature specimens. Juvenile fronds with a pale reddish flush. Sori oblong, on upper edge and distal half of the lower edge of the pinnae. |
| Habitat | Naturalized in Singapore; often forming dense stands on shaded earth banks. Also in planting beds in parks and gardens. |
| Etymology | Genus Adiantum is from the Greek word "adiantoj" which means "unwetted" and refers to the fronds being water-repellent. Species latifolium means "with broad leaves" and refers to the character of the fronds. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Groundcover, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
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 |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
| Planting Remarks | Spreads rapidly under local environmental conditions |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Pink, Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Thin |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31297 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5694 |
| 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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