Whisk Fern
(Psilotum nudum)
Whisk Fern (Psilotum nudum)
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natalie
Public Domain
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natalie
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: natalie | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: natalie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-10T16:37:24Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Psilotum nudum, commonly known as Whisk Fern, is an evergreen perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, rocky slopes, and open areas in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. It is a unique plant that resembles ferns but is not a true fern, as it belongs to a different lineage, the Psilotales. Whisk Ferns are characterized by their simple, dichotomously branching green stems that lack true leaves and roots. The stems can reach up to 30 cm in height and bear small, scale-like outgrowths. The plant reproduces by spores, which are produced in yellowish sporangia that appear at the tips of the stems. The common name ’Whisk Fern’ is derived from its historical use as a small broom.
Whisk Fern is appreciated for its unusual appearance and is often used in terrariums, as a curiosity in shade gardens, or as an accent in rock gardens. It is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and requires medium water and well-drained soil. While it can be a weed in greenhouses, it is also cultivated for its interesting morphology and ease of care. It is not prone to many diseases but can suffer from overwatering or poor drainage. Whisk Fern is not typically invasive but can spread in greenhouse environments if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Whisk Fern is appreciated for its unusual appearance and is often used in terrariums, as a curiosity in shade gardens, or as an accent in rock gardens. It is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and requires medium water and well-drained soil. While it can be a weed in greenhouses, it is also cultivated for its interesting morphology and ease of care. It is not prone to many diseases but can suffer from overwatering or poor drainage. Whisk Fern is not typically invasive but can spread in greenhouse environments if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Tropical forests, rocky slopes, and open areas
Other Names
Common Names: Skeleton Fork Fern, Kvastormbunke, 솔잎란, Nacktfarn, 松葉蕨
Scientific Names: , Psilotum nudum, Psilotum triquetrum, Bernhardia dichotoma, Lycopodium nudum, Psilotum triquetrum var. gracile, Psilotum nudum var. molesworthii, Psilotum floridanum, Psilotum nudum var. molesworthiae, Bernhardia antillarum
GBIF Accepted Name: Psilotum nudum (L.) P.Beauv.