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Description
Asplenium Chathamense, commonly known as the Chatham Island spleenwort, is a species of fern that is endemic to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. This evergreen fern can grow up to 30cm in height and spreads through underground rhizomes. The fronds are pinnatifid and can vary in length from 8-30cm. The spores are produced in clusters on the underside of the fronds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Asplenium |
Appearance
Asplenium Chathamense has dark green, glossy fronds that are pinnatifid and can grow up to 30cm in length. The fronds are narrow and lance-shaped with pointed tips. The spores are produced in clusters on the underside of the fronds, which are visible as brown dots. This fern is evergreen and can spread through underground rhizomes.
Care Guide
Asplenium Chathamense requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. It prefers indirect sunlight or partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilization should be done once every three months using a balanced fertilizer. The plant should be repotted every two years or when it outgrows its container.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asplenium Chathamense is susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases such as leaf spot and root rot can also affect the plant. To prevent pest infestations, regularly inspect the plant for signs of damage and treat with an insecticide or fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Asplenium Chathamense is endemic to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. It grows in moist, shaded areas such as forests, cliffs, and stream banks. It can also be found growing on rocks and in crevices.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Asplenium Chathamense?
A: Asplenium Chathamense requires moderate watering, which means watering once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Can Asplenium Chathamense grow in full sun?
A: Asplenium Chathamense prefers indirect sunlight or partial shade and may not tolerate full sun for extended periods of time.
Q: How do I fertilize Asplenium Chathamense?
A: Fertilize Asplenium Chathamense once every three months using a balanced fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply to the soil around the plant.
Q: How do I propagate Asplenium Chathamense?
A: Asplenium Chathamense can be propagated through spores or through division of the rhizome. Propagation through spores requires patience and a sterile environment, while division of the rhizome can be done during repotting.
Related Plants
- Asplenium antiquum
- Asplenium australasicum
- Asplenium bulbiferum
- Asplenium dimorphum
- Asplenium flaccidum
References
- “Asplenium chathamense.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, n.d., www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/asplenium-chathamense/.
- “Asplenium chathamense.” Royal Horticultural Society, n.d., www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18385/Asplenium-chathamense/Details.
- “Asplenium chathamense.” The Ferns of New Zealand, n.d., www.nzferns.com/plant-info.php?plant=asplenium-chathamense.
