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Fissidens fontanus (Bach. Pyl.) Steud.
| Family Name: | Fissidentaceae |
| Synonyms: | Conomitrium dillenii (Bach. Pyl.) Mont. |
| Common Name: | US Fissidens |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Mosses & Allies (Non-Vascular Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | North America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An aquatic moss, it has a flaccid growth form and a maximum height of 5cm. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The fronds are green and curl downwards, giving it a 'feathery' look. |
| Flowers | It is a moss and has no flowers. |
| Fruit | It is a moss and has no fruits. |
| Habitat | It is found growing on rocks and logs in ponds, lakes, streams or other water bodies with still or slow-moving water. Grows submerged but may become eposed due to water fluctuations in the wild. |
| Cultivation | Requires only very low amount of dissolved carbon dioxide in water and is ideally grown in pH levels of 6.0 to 7.5. It can be grown under bright light or shade at water temperatures of 24 to 26°C. For establishment of moss, tie it onto a piece of rock, metal mesh or wood until the rhizoids attach themselves to the surface. A low maintenance plant. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: It is a commonly used in the aquascaping of freshwater tanks and can be found in local freshwater aquarium shops. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Division |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | A slow to moderate growth rate at best. |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Division of the plant is done by taking the plant, pulling it apart and attaching the pieces onto new media. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31331 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5728 |
| 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. |