Kingdom:
Phylum:
Pteridophytes
Order:
Cyatheales
Species:
obscura
ID:
141029

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Bedd.) R.M.Tryon

Source:
ipni

Year:
1970

Citation Micro:
Contr. Gray Herb. 200: 22 (1970)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000140358

Common Names

  • Obscura Fern
  • Dark Fern
  • Sphaeropteris Fern

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Description

Sphaeropteris obscura (also called obscure spleenwort, among many other common names) is a species of fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is found in moist forests, as well as on rocks and cliffs.

Uses & Benefits

Sphaeropteris obscura is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a groundcover in shady areas and can provide a unique texture to a garden.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Sphaeropteris obscura is small and yellow-green in color. The seed is small and round, with a light brown color. The seedlings are small and thin, with light green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Cultivation and propagation of Sphaeropteris obscura is best done through division of clumps or by seed. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zone 8 and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12.2°C). Propagation by seed is possible but slow, as the seeds require a period of cold stratification before they will germinate. Division of clumps is the easiest and most reliable method of propagation.

Where to Find Sphaeropteris obscura

Sphaeropteris obscura is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Sphaeropteris obscura FAQ

What is the scientific name of Sphaeropteris obscura?

Sphaeropteris obscura

What is the common name of Sphaeropteris obscura?

Obscure Shield Fern

What is the habitat of Sphaeropteris obscura?

It is found in moist forests, along streams, and in wet, rocky areas.

Species in the Sphaeropteris genus

Sphaeropteris aciculosa, Sphaeropteris aeneifolia, Sphaeropteris agatheti, Sphaeropteris albidosquamata, Sphaeropteris albifrons, Sphaeropteris albosetacea, Sphaeropteris angustipinna, Sphaeropteris aramaganensis, Sphaeropteris arthropoda, Sphaeropteris assimilis, Sphaeropteris atrospinosa, Sphaeropteris atrox, Sphaeropteris auriculifera, Sphaeropteris binuangensis, Sphaeropteris brackenridgei, Sphaeropteris capitata, Sphaeropteris carrii, Sphaeropteris curranii, Sphaeropteris discophora, Sphaeropteris elliptica, Sphaeropteris elmeri, Sphaeropteris excelsa, Sphaeropteris feani, Sphaeropteris felina, Sphaeropteris fugax, Sphaeropteris fusca, Sphaeropteris inaequalis, Sphaeropteris insularum, Sphaeropteris integra, Sphaeropteris ledermannii, Sphaeropteris leucolepis, Sphaeropteris leucotricha, Sphaeropteris lunulata, Sphaeropteris magna, Sphaeropteris marginata, Sphaeropteris megalosora, Sphaeropteris mertensiana, Sphaeropteris microlepidota, Sphaeropteris moluccana, Sphaeropteris moseleyi, Sphaeropteris nigricans, Sphaeropteris obliqua, Sphaeropteris obscura, Sphaeropteris papuana, Sphaeropteris parksiae, Sphaeropteris parvifolia, Sphaeropteris parvipinna, Sphaeropteris persquamulifera, Sphaeropteris philippinensis, Sphaeropteris pilulifera,

Species in the Cyatheaceae family

Alsophila acanthophora, Alsophila acuminata, Alsophila alderwereltii, Alsophila alleniae, Alsophila alta, Alsophila aneitensis, Alsophila apoensis, Alsophila archboldii, Alsophila baroumba, Alsophila borneensis, Alsophila boytelii, Alsophila brausei, Alsophila brevipinna, Alsophila buennemeijeri, Alsophila callosa, Alsophila catillifera, Alsophila celsa, Alsophila cicatricosa, Alsophila cincinnata, Alsophila cinerea, Alsophila coactilis, Alsophila confinis, Alsophila costalisora, Alsophila crinita, Alsophila cubensis, Alsophila cucullifera, Alsophila cunninghamii, Alsophila deckenii, Alsophila dicksonioides, Alsophila doctersii, Alsophila edanoi, Alsophila eriophora, Alsophila everta, Alsophila excavata, Alsophila fagildei, Alsophila ferdinandii, Alsophila ferruginea, Alsophila foersteri, Alsophila geluensis, Alsophila glaberrima, Alsophila gleichenioides, Alsophila grangaudiana, Alsophila halconensis, Alsophila havilandii, Alsophila hooglandii, Alsophila hookeri, Alsophila horridula, Alsophila humilis, Alsophila hymenodes, Alsophila imbricata,

References

Richard Henry Beddome (1830-1911): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Bedd.' in the authors string.
Rolla M. Tryon Jr. (1916-2001): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.M.Tryon' in the authors string.