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Dicranopteris curranii

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Dicranopteris curranii Copel.

Family Name: Gleicheniaceae
Synonyms: Dicranopteris gigantea Ching, Dicranopteris lessonii (A.Rich.) Ching, Gleichenia dichotoma var. malayana Christ, Gleichenia venosa (Copel.) Holttum, Sticherus venosus Copel.
 

Dicranopteris curranii is a terrestrial fern native to Singapore. It is large, strongly upright, fast growing and can quickly forming large dense bushes known as thickets in exposed sites. The foliage branch out several times to form deeply lobed pinnatifid leaflets with greyish blue underside. The sori are round on either sides of the midrib.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Synonyms
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Ferns & Lycophytes (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Fern)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant

Biogeography

Native Distribution Yunan to Malesia, Fiji Islands
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Secondary Rainforest, Primary Rainforest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a large, upright fern with creeping rhizomes which forms thickets, large dense bushes easily.
Foliage The foliage branches out several times equally. The ultimate branch measures about 40 cm long, 12 cm wide, bears deeply lobed, pinnatifid leaflets. It has a greyish-blue underside, pinkish hairs may be found on the veins.
Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant The sori are round, produced on either sides of the midrib in a single line.
Others - Plant Morphology The rhizomes are long-creeping, 3 - 5 mm in diameter, covered in dark brown stiff hairs.
Habitat Occurs in thickets from sea level up to 1500m. <1,2>
Similar Dicranopteris curranii and Dicranopteris linearisshow similarities. D. curranii is significantly larger than D. linearis in terms of its size and individual fronds. The former is strongly erect unlike D. linearis which tend to be limp.
Cultivation It can be propagated through rhizomes and spores

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Little Water, Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast to Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Easy to Grow, Fertile Loamy Soils, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Storage Organ (Rhizome), Spore

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Green - Bluish Green
Foliar Type Compound (Even-Pinnate)
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Linear, Oblong)
Foliar Margin Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate, Retuse, Rounded
Foliar Base Attenuate

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification Herbaceous
Root Type Underground (Fibrous Root)
Specialised Storage Organ(s) Underground (Rhizome)

References

References <1> Holttum, R.E. (1959). Dicranopteris. In: Holttum, R.E. (ed.) Glecheniaceae. Flora Malesiana, ser. 2, Pteridophyta, vol. 1, pt. 1, pp. 31-32. Leiden: Rijksherbarium.

<2> Tagawa, M. & Iwatsuki, K. (1979). Flora of Thailand, vol. 3(1), pp. 53-54. Bangkok: The Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

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Master ID 34282
Species ID 8695
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.
Species record last updated on: 31 March 2023.
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