Whisk Fern (松叶蕨)
Erect, fern-like plants, growing up to about 20 - 50 cm long, and dichotomously forked. Like the other species in the order Psilotales, it lacks roots. It absorbs nutrients through root-like hairs on rhizomes (hence, “rhizoids”) that partner with mycorrhizal fungi for better nutrient absorption. Photosynthesis takes place entirely in the stems, which have stomata normally found on leaves.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Psilotum nudum
COMMON NAME
Skeleton Fork Fern, Whisk Fern, 松叶蕨
CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Division Ferns & Allies (Non-Seed Vascular Plants) (Whisk Fern) Plant Growth Form Epiphyte, Lithophyte Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION
Light Preference Semi-Shade
P. nudum thrives best in partial shade and can tolerate more sunny locations. They will grow in full shade but will somewhat reduced in density, extent and size.
Water Preference Moderate Water Propagation Method Spore, Division USES
- Can be used to treat constipation and respiratory problems.
- Could be good source of antimicrobials.
Sources
- https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/1/5/1565
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilotum_nudum
- https://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2019/4/25/the-wacky-world-of-whisk-ferns
- http://natureloveyou.sg/Psilotum%20nudum/Main.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178992/
- http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2020/04/10/whisk-fern/
- https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/plants/pterophyta/psilotales.html
- https://plantlet.org/psilotum-the-whisk-fern/
Disclaimer
The information in this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Tags
#WhiskFern , #PsilotumNudum, #Psilotaceae.