Alsophila spinulosa
Alsophila spinulosa | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Division: | Polypodiophyta |
Class: | Polypodiopsida |
Order: | Cyatheales |
Family: | Cyatheaceae |
Genus: | Alsophila |
Species: | A. spinulosa
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Binomial name | |
Alsophila spinulosa (Wall. ex Hook.) R.M.Tryon[1]
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Synonyms[1] | |
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Alsophila spinulosa, synonym Cyathea spinulosa,[1] also known as the flying spider-monkey tree fern, is a species of tree fern in the family Cyatheaceae.
Description[]
The trunk of this species can grow to a height of 5 m or more. The stipes are persistent, spiny and purplish towards the base, and covered in brown shiny scales. Fronds are 1–3 m long and three-limbed. The sori, producing the spores, are large and round. Like many tree ferns, it features a "skirt" of dead leaves that do not drop off the crown and form a barrier for parasitic climbing plants.[2]
Distribution and habitat[]
A. spinulosa occurs in humus soils in shadowed forest locations, and is widely distributed across Asia including China, Nepal, India, Burma, Myanmar, and Japan.[3][2]
Use by humans[]
The stems are rich in starch and edible. Stem chips also see use as fern chips as a substrate for the cultivation of orchids.[2]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ^ a b c Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila spinulosa". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
- ^ a b c T. C. Huang, ed. (1994). Flora of Taiwan. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Taipei: Editorial Committee of the Flora of Taiwan. p. 148.
- ^ "Cyathea spinulosa Wall". Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
External links[]
- Alsophila (plant)