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Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn.
| Family Name: | Pteridaceae |
| Synonyms: | Acrostichum thalictroides L. |
| Common Name: | Water Sprite, Indian Water Fern |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Pan-tropical |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An aquatic fern. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | It has dimorphous fronds which take on different growth forms and appearances under and above the water surface. There are two distinct frond structures; the fertile fronds are narrow, horn-like and rigid, the lobes resembling thick needles. Fronds floating on and below the water surface are limp with wide, lobed fronds and are sterile. |
| Flowers | It is a fern and has no flowers. |
| Fruit | It is a fern, it does not bear fruit. |
| Habitat | Swamps, ponds, marshes and river edges. |
| Cultivation | It can be grown in still or slow-moving water, floating on the water surface or planted into substrate and submerged. The ideal water conditions are water temperatures of 22 to 30°C and pH levels of 6.5 to 7.5. It requires bright light and has a fast growth rate. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: The numerous roots of the floating plantlets can serve as hiding places for fish fry in freshwater aquariums. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Aquarium / Aquascape |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils |
| Propagation Method | Spore, Aerial Plantlet |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31342 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5739 |
| 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. |