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Microsorum punctatum
(L.) Copel.
Dwarf Elkhorn Fern
Polypodiaceae
Microsorum punctatum is a species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It has a paleotropical distribution, and one cultivar of the species is often grown as an houseplant.
Description
Microsorum punctatum spreads via rhizomes; its rhizomes are covered in ovate to triangular, small scales that are 1.5 to 8 mm long and 0.5 to 3 mm wide. Leaves are simple, 10 to 175 cm long and 1.5 to 15 cm wide. They are narrow, obovate to elliptic/linear to ovate, sometimes leathery, with the blade sometimes winged to the base of the leaf. Leaf edges are smooth or wavy, and the tip is pointed or rounded. Sori are small, scattered, and borne in rows along the lower side of the leaf (sometimes absent from the base of the leaf) (Wu et al. 2013).
Cultivar 'Grandiceps' is commonly grown as a houseplant: its leaves fork repeatedly and are crested (NParks).
Cultivar 'Grandiceps' is commonly grown as a houseplant: its leaves fork repeatedly and are crested (NParks).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
The plant's juice has a few medicinal uses: it is a purgative, diuretic, and can be used to treat wounds (Scott and May 1980). It is also cultivated often, mostly as the cultivar 'Grandiceps'. It prefers moist but well-drained soils and partial shade (NParks).
Distribution
Microsorum punctatum grows in a variety of habitats, from wet forests to savannas; it also sometimes grows on trees or rocks. It is widespread and native to Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, southern and eastern Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, and the Mascarene Islands (Wu et al. 2013).
Status
References
NParks (National Parks Board). Microsorum punctatum ‘Grandiceps’. Flora Fauna Web. [accessed 2019 Jun 21]. https://florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg/special-pages/plant-detail.aspx?id=1552
Peterson, J. S, and May, L. W. 1980. The Economic Uses and Associated Folklore of Ferns and Fern Allies. American Fern Journal 70(4): 491–528.
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Peterson, J. S, and May, L. W. 1980. The Economic Uses and Associated Folklore of Ferns and Fern Allies. American Fern Journal 70(4): 491–528.
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Description
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