Description
Tectaria novoguineensis (also called New Guinea Tectaria, among many other common names) is a species of fern in the family Tectariaceae. It is native to tropical forests in South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in moist, shady areas, often near streams or in ravines.
Uses & Benefits
Tectaria novoguineensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, stomachache, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Tectaria novoguineensis has small, yellow-green flowers with four petals. Its seeds are small, black and oval-shaped. The seedlings are slender and have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tectaria novoguineensis is a fern that can be propagated by spores or division. It prefers moist, shady conditions and can be grown in a pot or in the ground. When planting in a pot, use a soil-based compost and ensure that the pot has good drainage. When planting in the ground, ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the area is shaded. When propagating by spores, collect the spores in the spring and sow them on a moist, sterile medium. Keep the medium moist and in a warm, shady location until the spores germinate. Once the spores have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and keep them in a warm, shady location until they are ready to be planted in the ground.