Cyathea spinulosa
| Cyathea spinulosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pteridophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida / Pteridopsida (disputed) |
| Order: | Cyatheales |
| Family: | Cyatheaceae |
| Genus: | Cyathea |
| Species: | C. spinulosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook., 1844 | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Cyathea spinulosa, 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
C. spinulosa occurs in humus soils in shadowed forest locations, and is widely distributed across Asia including China, Nepal, India, Burma, Myanmar, and Japan.[1][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]
References
- 1 2 "Cyathea spinulosa Wall.". Catalogue of Life. ITIS. Species 2000. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- 1 2 3 T. C. Huang, ed. (1994). Flora of Taiwan. 1 (2nd ed.). Taipei: Editorial Committee of the Flora of Taiwan. p. 148.