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actinostachys

Scientific Name: Actinostachys

Family: Schizaeaceae

Category: Fern

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ray Ferns: Exploring the Genus Actinostachys

Actinostachys is a genus of ferns, originally classified within the genus Schizaea. These ferns are known informally as ray ferns.

Considerations for Pets

  • Actinostachys pennula, also known as Ray Spiked Fern or Tropical curly-grass, has grass-like fronds, which might attract the attention of pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Actinostachys
  • Family: Schizaeaceae
  • Major Group: Pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies)
  • The name Actinostachys is derived from the Greek words "actino-" (rayed) and "-stachys" (relating to a spike), referring to the sporogenous branches.
  • Some species are referred to by the naming authority C.F. Reed
  • Synonyms:
    • Schizaea pennula Swartz
    • Actinostachys germanii Fe. (Synonym of Actinostachys pennula)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Actinostachys pennula is native to Southern Florida and the West Indies. It is also found in Thailand.
  • The genus is also found in Western Australia and possibly other areas of Australia.
  • Other distribution regions include: Bonin Islands, Taiwan, China, Ryukyu Islands.
  • Habitats include dry, lateritic soils and maquis environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The genus is characterized by its flabelliform (fan-shaped) fronds.
  • Actinostachys pennula has clustered, linear-flattened, grass-like fronds.
  • Individuals of *Actinostachys pennula* vary in size from 5-50 cm.
  • Rhizomes are short-creeping or suberect, clothed with long, stiff, glossy pale brown hairs.
  • Plants vary in size from 5 to 50 cm, with smaller forms often found in leaf mold and larger forms in open, sunny areas.

Ecological Role

  • In Western Australia, Actinostachys is considered native and not rare, threatened, or alien.
  • Actinostachys pennula in particular can be found near decomposing leaf and tree matter.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name comes from the Greek words for "rayed" and "spike", referring to the way the spore-producing parts of the fern grow.

Further Information

  • Information is available at Tropicos.
  • Further information available at the International Plant Names Index.