Status:
valid
Authors:
Hook.
Source:
tro
Year:
1857
Citation Micro:
Hooker's J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 9: 334 (1857)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001114722
Common Names
- Podophylla Alsophila
- Alsophila podophylla
- Podophylla Alsophila
Description
Alsophila podophylla (also called Tree Fern, among many other common names) is a species of Alsophila native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina. It is an epiphytic species, meaning it grows on other plants, and is often found on tree trunks in moist, shady forests.
Uses & Benefits
Alsophila podophylla is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a ground cover in shady areas. It is known for its air-purifying properties and is used to reduce indoor air pollution.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Alsophila podophylla has small, white flowers, which produce small, black seeds. The seedlings are small and delicate with thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Alsophila podophylla is a hardy fern that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers partial to full shade and does best in moist, humus-rich soils. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the soil is well-draining. Propagation can be done by division or by sowing spores. Division should be done in the spring or fall, and spores should be sown in the spring.
Where to Find Alsophila podophylla
Alsophila podophylla can be found in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
Species in the Alsophila genus
Alsophila acanthophora,
Alsophila acuminata,
Alsophila alderwereltii,
Alsophila alleniae,
Alsophila alta,
Alsophila aneitensis,
Alsophila apoensis,
Alsophila archboldii,
Alsophila baroumba,
Alsophila borneensis,
Alsophila boytelii,
Alsophila brausei,
Alsophila brevipinna,
Alsophila buennemeijeri,
Alsophila callosa,
Alsophila catillifera,
Alsophila celsa,
Alsophila cicatricosa,
Alsophila cincinnata,
Alsophila cinerea,
Alsophila coactilis,
Alsophila confinis,
Alsophila costalisora,
Alsophila crinita,
Alsophila cubensis,
Alsophila cucullifera,
Alsophila cunninghamii,
Alsophila deckenii,
Alsophila dicksonioides,
Alsophila doctersii,
Alsophila edanoi,
Alsophila eriophora,
Alsophila everta,
Alsophila excavata,
Alsophila fagildei,
Alsophila ferdinandii,
Alsophila ferruginea,
Alsophila foersteri,
Alsophila geluensis,
Alsophila glaberrima,
Alsophila gleichenioides,
Alsophila grangaudiana,
Alsophila halconensis,
Alsophila havilandii,
Alsophila hooglandii,
Alsophila hookeri,
Alsophila horridula,
Alsophila humilis,
Alsophila hymenodes,
Alsophila imbricata,
Species in the Cyatheaceae family
Alsophila acanthophora,
Alsophila acuminata,
Alsophila alderwereltii,
Alsophila alleniae,
Alsophila alta,
Alsophila aneitensis,
Alsophila apoensis,
Alsophila archboldii,
Alsophila baroumba,
Alsophila borneensis,
Alsophila boytelii,
Alsophila brausei,
Alsophila brevipinna,
Alsophila buennemeijeri,
Alsophila callosa,
Alsophila catillifera,
Alsophila celsa,
Alsophila cicatricosa,
Alsophila cincinnata,
Alsophila cinerea,
Alsophila coactilis,
Alsophila confinis,
Alsophila costalisora,
Alsophila crinita,
Alsophila cubensis,
Alsophila cucullifera,
Alsophila cunninghamii,
Alsophila deckenii,
Alsophila dicksonioides,
Alsophila doctersii,
Alsophila edanoi,
Alsophila eriophora,
Alsophila everta,
Alsophila excavata,
Alsophila fagildei,
Alsophila ferdinandii,
Alsophila ferruginea,
Alsophila foersteri,
Alsophila geluensis,
Alsophila glaberrima,
Alsophila gleichenioides,
Alsophila grangaudiana,
Alsophila halconensis,
Alsophila havilandii,
Alsophila hooglandii,
Alsophila hookeri,
Alsophila horridula,
Alsophila humilis,
Alsophila hymenodes,
Alsophila imbricata,