Species: Psilotum nudum
English name: Pine-leaved Fern; Fork Fern
Chinese name: 松葉蕨、松葉蘭、鐵掃把
Family: Psilotaceae
Description:
Epiphytic ferns, perennial herb. The subterranean stem crawls, does not have the root, only then the hairy absorber and rhizoid, usually have the fungus root. Considered a primitive plant, a descendent of possibly the first group of vascular plants.
Psilotum nudum means bare naked because it lacks most of the organs of modern plants.
It habitats on quite rare places, grows as an attachment on rock wall or bough, found in Macau Penha Hill, Coloane stone basin trail, Seac Pai Van Park.
Used as a small broom in the past. Used for visceral complaints, as a purge (spores).
© 2009 BlueRidgeKitties
© 2010 Tony Rodd
Photos used under a Creative Commons license
References:
– Department of Gardens and Green Areas, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science 2005. Flora of Macao (Volume 1). Macao, SAR: Author