Status:
valid
Authors:
(Selling) C.F.Reed
Source:
ipni
Year:
1948
Citation Micro:
Bol. Soc. Brot. , sér. 2, 21: 131 (1948)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000151240
Common Names
- Melanesica Fern
- Melanesica Shield Fern
- Melanesica Tree Fern
Synonyms
- Schizaea melanesica Selling [unknown]
Description
Actinostachys melanesica (also called Melanesian 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 melanesica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and digestive disorders.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Actinostachys melanesica is small and yellow. Its seeds are small and black. Its seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Actinostachys melanesica 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 melanesica
Actinostachys melanesica is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Actinostachys melanesica FAQ
What is the scientific name of Actinostachys melanesica?
Actinostachys melanesica
What is the common name of Actinostachys melanesica?
Melanesian Fern
What is the natural habitat of Actinostachys melanesica?
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,