Status:
valid
Authors:
(Fourn.) C.F.Reed
Source:
ipni
Year:
1948
Citation Micro:
Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 21: 131 (1948)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000151237
Common Names
- Balansae Watermoss
- Salvinia
- Water Spangles
Synonyms
- Schizaea balansae E.Fourn. [unknown]
Description
Actinostachys balansae (also called Balansa's Water Fern, among many other common names) is a floating fern species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is an aquatic species with a floating root system, and its fronds are usually 1-3 inches long. It is found in still or slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Actinostachys balansae is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Actinostachys balansae has small, yellowish-green flowers that are clustered in panicles. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and have a single, upright frond.
Cultivation and Propagation
Actinostachys balansae can be propagated by division of the rhizomes or by spores. It is best grown in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 6-9.
Where to Find Actinostachys balansae
Actinostachys balansae is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, such as in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Actinostachys balansae FAQ
What is the scientific name of Actinostachys balansae?
Actinostachys balansae
What is the common name of Actinostachys balansae?
Balansa's Fern
What is the natural habitat of Actinostachys balansae?
Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania
Species in the Actinostachys genus
Actinostachys balansae,
Actinostachys confusa,
Actinostachys inopinata,
Actinostachys melanesica,
Actinostachys oligostachys,
Actinostachys plana,
Actinostachys spirophylla,
Actinostachys tenuis,
Actinostachys wagneri,
Actinostachys pennula,
Actinostachys macrofunda,
Actinostachys subtrijuga,
Actinostachys digitata,
Actinostachys intermedia,
Actinostachys laevigata,
Species in the Schizaeaceae family
Actinostachys balansae,
Actinostachys confusa,
Actinostachys inopinata,
Actinostachys melanesica,
Actinostachys oligostachys,
Actinostachys plana,
Actinostachys spirophylla,
Actinostachys tenuis,
Actinostachys wagneri,
Actinostachys pennula,
Actinostachys macrofunda,
Actinostachys subtrijuga,
Actinostachys digitata,
Actinostachys intermedia,
Actinostachys laevigata,
Schizaea australis,
Schizaea bifida,
Schizaea diversispora,
Schizaea malaccana,
Schizaea montis-petrae,
Schizaea pacificans,
Schizaea pectinata,
Schizaea dichotoma,
Schizaea poeppigiana,
Schizaea pusilla,
Schizaea tenella,
Schizaea fistulosa,
Schizaea elegans,
Schizaea incurvata,
Schizaea pseudodichotoma,
Schizaea rhacoindusiata,
Schizaea fluminensis,
Schizaea sprucei,
Schizaea stricta,
Schizaea orbicularis,
Schizaea rupestris,