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ray fern
Scientific Name: Actinostachys pennula
Family: Schizaeaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Ray Fern (Actinostachys pennula)
The Ray Fern, also known as Tropical Curly-grass, is a fascinating plant with notable characteristics and a unique story.
Considerations for Pets
- While not explicitly stated as toxic, the text mentions "X-Ray ferns," which might imply a delicate structure. Any plant with small or easily detached parts can pose a choking hazard to pets, especially smaller animals.
Considerations for Children
- As with pets, small parts could be a choking hazard for young children. The plant's texture or structure might also be attractive to children, potentially leading to ingestion.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Actinostachys pennula
- Common Names: Ray Fern, Tropical Curly-grass
- Family: Schizaeaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Group: Fern
Distribution and Habitat
- Native mainly to Southern Florida.
- Also found in Papua New Guinea, south eastern Australia, and New Zealand (Blechnum fluviatile, Ray water-fern).
Ecological Role
- The Ray Fern is listed as an endangered plant species.
- One reference mentions an "arsenic hyperaccumulator fern" and its examination using X-ray spectrometry, suggesting a potential role in arsenic uptake from the environment.
Morphological Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Forb/herb
- Duration: Perennial
Quirky Facts
- The mention of "X-Ray ferns" suggests that a de-saturated image of a fern can resemble an X-ray of ribs.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Actinostachys pennula.