Adiantum aethiopicum


Maidenhair - Chatswood West.jpg


Plant Characteristics
Habit   fern

Height: 8 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 8. to 32 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 32.
Width: 10 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 10. to 36 in"in" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 36.
Lifespan: perennial
Cultivation
Exposure: part-sun, shade
Water: wet, moist
Features: foliage
USDA Zones: 7 to 9
Scientific Names

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Adiantum aethiopicum, also known as the common maidenhair fern, is a small fern of widespread distribution. Occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand.[1] Known as the Common Maidenhair Fern in Australia. Adiantum aethiopicum is a popular and well known ornamental plant.

Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 1759.[2] The species name aethiopicum was an old term for South Africa.[3]

Adiantum aethiopicum grows in spreading clumps of fronds from 10 to 45 cm (4-18 in) in height. The rhizomes are wiry and branched. The fronds are horizontal and layered, or upright. They are divided into two or three and have many small wedge-shaped segments, each of which has sori along its margins underneath.[3]

A common plant, often seen growing in moist areas. In Australia it is found near by creeks or in open forest, where it may form a large colony.[4]


Read about Adiantum aethiopicum in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Adiantum aethiopicum, Linn. (A. assimile, Swartz). Lvs. 1 ft. or more long on slender stalks, 2-3-pinnate, rather narrow; lfts. roundish or obscurely 3-lobed, the margin finely serrulate; sori 2-3 to a lft., with oblong or kidney-shaped indusia. Afr. and Austral.


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Cultivation

In cultivation the Maidenhair fern prefers a well lit situation inside, but a shady place outdoors without draughts. It is suitable for terrariums and hanging baskets.[5] It is fairly easy to grow.[6] It responds well to diluted liquid fertilizers. Ensure the Maidenhair is well watered, drying out will easily stress the plant. Despite being an under-storey plant, it must have good light if placed inside the house. Though try to avoid too much direct sunlight or draughts. Plants that have dried out and lost all foliage may not be dead. They may send out new growth up to 18 months later.[7] Outdoors it can tolerate a heavy clay soil.[3]

Propagation

Propagation is from plant division or by spores.[8]

Pests and diseases

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Varieties

Gallery

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References

External links


  1. "Adiantum aethiopicum". Flora of Australia Online.
  2. Template:APNI
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Eliot RW, Jones DL, Blake T (1985). Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation: Vol. 2. Port Melbourne: Lothian Press. p. 158. ISBN 0-85091-143-5. 
  4. "Adiantum aethiopicum". PlantNET - NSW Flora Online. Retrieved on 2010-07-17.
  5. Ratcliffe, David & Patricia (1987). Australian Native Plants for Indoors. Crows Nest, NSW: Little Hills Press. p. 32. ISBN 0-949773-49-2. 
  6. Hambrett, Jo (August 2003). "Summer iii". Garden Design Study Group Newsletter (Australian Native Plants Society) (43): 12. ISSN 1039-9062. 
  7. "Maidenhair Fern". Burke's Backyard.
  8. Cundall. P., (2008) Native Plants:The definitive guide to Australian plants, Global Book Publishing Lane Cove, N.S.W, page 278, ISBN 978 174048 027 7