Ray Fern
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(Actiniopteris radiata)
Ray Fern (Actiniopteris radiata)
/
Siddarth Machado
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Siddarth Machado
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Siddarth Machado | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Siddarth Machado | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2015-11-21T11:08:24-08:00 |
Summary
Actiniopteris radiata, commonly known as ray fern, is a small, evergreen fern native to arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky areas and scrublands across Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Australia. It is adapted to grow in hot, dry habitats, often at the base of rocks or in crevices, where it can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall. This fern typically forms a compact rosette of radiating fronds that resemble the spokes of a wheel, each frond reaching up to 15 cm in length.
Ray fern is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as an accent plant in arid landscape designs. It requires minimal care, thriving in well-drained soil and tolerating full sun to partial shade. Gardeners should consult local regulations before planting Actiniopteris radiata outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ray fern is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as an accent plant in arid landscape designs. It requires minimal care, thriving in well-drained soil and tolerating full sun to partial shade. Gardeners should consult local regulations before planting Actiniopteris radiata outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, rocky areas, and scrublands across Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Water Fern, Network Vein Fern
Scientific Names: Actiniopteris radiata, Acropteris dichotoma, Acropteris radiata, Acrostichum australe, Acrostichum dichotomum, Acrostichum radiatum, Acrostichum radiatum, Actiniopteris australis, Actiniopteris australis var. radiata
GBIF Accepted Name: Actiniopteris radiata