African Spleenwort
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(Asplenium africanum)
African Spleenwort (Asplenium africanum)
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© Jacy Chen
CC BY 4.0
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© Jacy Chen
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Jacy Chen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chenjacy | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Asplenium africanum, commonly known as African Spleenwort or Bird’s Nest Fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to shaded forest floors and rocky slopes within tropical rainforests, woodlands, and montane regions of Africa. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.5 meters), forming a rosette of arching, lance-shaped fronds that are bright green and glossy. The fronds can be quite showy, creating an attractive display of lush foliage. This fern does not produce flowers or seeds, but reproduces via spores that are found in clusters on the underside of the fronds.
African Spleenwort is valued for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens, terrariums, or as a houseplant. It is also appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ease of maintenance. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture but is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so well-draining soil is essential. It prefers part shade to full shade and can be grown in medium or fast-draining loam or sandy soils. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may attract pests such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
African Spleenwort is valued for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens, terrariums, or as a houseplant. It is also appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ease of maintenance. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture but is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so well-draining soil is essential. It prefers part shade to full shade and can be grown in medium or fast-draining loam or sandy soils. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may attract pests such as scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season:
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Shaded forest floors and rocky slopes within tropical rainforests, woodlands, and montane regions
Other Names
Common Names: Bird’s Nest Fern
Scientific Names: Asplenium africanum, Asplenium guineense, Asplenium serratum, Asplenium sinuatum, Asplenium venosum
GBIF Accepted Name: Asplenium africanum