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wavy scaly cloakfern
Scientific Name: Astrolepis sinuata
Family: Pteridaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astrolepis sinuata - Wavy Scaly Cloakfern
Astrolepis sinuata, commonly known as the Wavy Scaly Cloakfern, is a fascinating fern species native to the American Southwest.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that deer and rodents tend to avoid the coarse and scaly fronds of this fern.
Considerations for Children
- The fronds are described as coarse and scaly.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astrolepis sinuata (Lag. ex Sw.) Benham & Windham
- Family: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern Family)
- Genus: Astrolepis D.M. Benham & Windham – cloakfern
- Species: Astrolepis sinuata (Lag. ex Sw.) D.M. Benham & Windham – wavy scaly cloakfern
- Subspecies: Astrolepis sinuata subsp. sinuata (Lag. ex Sw.) D.M. Benham & Windham
- Synonym: Cheilanthes sinuata, Notholaena sinuata, Notholaena sinuata madriensis
Common Names
- Wavy Scaly Cloakfern
- Wavy Cloak Fern
- Long Cloak Fern
- Jimmy Fern
- Doradilla (Spanish)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Texas (specifically mentioned, though not part of the Edwards Plateau).
- Found in the American Southwest deserts.
- Observed in locations such as Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co., Texas, and Uvalde, Texas and surrounding areas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
- A perennial, semi-evergreen fern.
- Grows to be medium in size, reaching approximately 1-3 feet in height. Some texts report 4"-24" in height.
- Drought-tolerant and can survive periods of extreme dryness by curling up, unfurling again when moisture returns.
- Leaflets have seven or more.
- Leaves large, robust, arched or spreading.
- Bright green, cinnamon brown when dry.
Growing Conditions
- Water Use: Low
- Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade
- Zones: Typically Zones 7-10.
Ecological Role
- Deer and rodents tend to avoid eating the fronds.
Quirky Facts
- The name sinuata comes from Latin, meaning "curved or wavy," referring to the wavy-margined pinnae (leaflets).
- Despite thriving in arid conditions, it's a fern, a plant group often associated with moist environments.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Flora of North America: The Flora Project