Status:
valid
Authors:
(Alderw.) R.M.Tryon
Source:
ipni
Year:
1970
Citation Micro:
Contr. Gray Herb. 200: 23 (1970)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000140378
Common Names
- Senex's Shield Fern
- Old Man's Shield Fern
- Old Shield Fern
Synonyms
- Cyathea senex Alderw. [unknown]
Description
Sphaeropteris senex (also called Old Shield Fern, among many other common names) is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to the tropical forests of South America, Africa, and Madagascar, where it grows in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Sphaeropteris senex is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover in shady areas. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Sphaeropteris senex is small and yellow-green in color. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings are slender and green with small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sphaeropteris senex can be propagated by division of the rhizomes or by spores. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. It is best grown in a humus-rich, acidic soil in a sheltered position.
Where to Find Sphaeropteris senex
Sphaeropteris senex is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Bolivia.
Sphaeropteris senex FAQ
What is the scientific name of Sphaeropteris senex?
Sphaeropteris senex
What type of plant is Sphaeropteris senex?
Fern
Where is Sphaeropteris senex found?
Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia
Species in the Sphaeropteris genus
Sphaeropteris aciculosa,
Sphaeropteris aeneifolia,
Sphaeropteris agatheti,
Sphaeropteris albidosquamata,
Sphaeropteris albifrons,
Sphaeropteris albosetacea,
Sphaeropteris angustipinna,
Sphaeropteris aramaganensis,
Sphaeropteris arthropoda,
Sphaeropteris assimilis,
Sphaeropteris atrospinosa,
Sphaeropteris atrox,
Sphaeropteris auriculifera,
Sphaeropteris binuangensis,
Sphaeropteris brackenridgei,
Sphaeropteris capitata,
Sphaeropteris carrii,
Sphaeropteris curranii,
Sphaeropteris discophora,
Sphaeropteris elliptica,
Sphaeropteris elmeri,
Sphaeropteris excelsa,
Sphaeropteris feani,
Sphaeropteris felina,
Sphaeropteris fugax,
Sphaeropteris fusca,
Sphaeropteris inaequalis,
Sphaeropteris insularum,
Sphaeropteris integra,
Sphaeropteris ledermannii,
Sphaeropteris leucolepis,
Sphaeropteris leucotricha,
Sphaeropteris lunulata,
Sphaeropteris magna,
Sphaeropteris marginata,
Sphaeropteris megalosora,
Sphaeropteris mertensiana,
Sphaeropteris microlepidota,
Sphaeropteris moluccana,
Sphaeropteris moseleyi,
Sphaeropteris nigricans,
Sphaeropteris obliqua,
Sphaeropteris obscura,
Sphaeropteris papuana,
Sphaeropteris parksiae,
Sphaeropteris parvifolia,
Sphaeropteris parvipinna,
Sphaeropteris persquamulifera,
Sphaeropteris philippinensis,
Sphaeropteris pilulifera,
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,