Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Sm.
Source:
tro
Year:
1793
Citation Micro:
Mém. Acad. Roy. Sci. (Turin) 5. 422 (1793)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001107476
Common Names
- Schizaea dichotoma
- Forked Comb Fern
- Forked Schizaea
Description
Schizaea dichotoma (also called 'Forked Fern', among many other common names) is a fern species native to North America. It is an evergreen perennial with an upright habit and grows to a height of about 30 cm. It is found in moist, shady areas, such as woodlands, forest margins, and along stream banks.
Uses & Benefits
Schizaea dichotoma is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating skin diseases, pain, and fever.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Schizaea dichotoma is a small, greenish-brown spike with small, inconspicuous flowers. The seed is a small, brown, round seed with a short, pointed tip. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Schizaea dichotoma is a hardy fern that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Propagation is done by division of the rhizomes or by spore sowing.
Where to Find Schizaea dichotoma
Schizaea dichotoma is found in temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
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,