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Description
Austroblechnum Durum, commonly known as Hard Shield Fern, is a species of evergreen fern that belongs to the Blechnaceae family. It is native to the southern parts of South America, including Chile and Argentina. This fern is known for its hardiness and resilience, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Blechnaceae |
| Genus | Austroblechnum |
| Species | Durum |
Appearance
The Austroblechnum Durum fern has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other ferns. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has fronds that are 30-60 centimeters long and 5-10 centimeters wide. The fronds are leathery, dark green, and have a glossy texture. They are also known for their hardiness and can tolerate extreme weather conditions.
Care Guide
To keep your Austroblechnum Durum fern healthy and thriving, you will need to follow a few care guidelines. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Water: This fern requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. You can water it once a week or more frequently during hot weather.
Fertilization: You can fertilize your Austroblechnum Durum fern once a month during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization as this can damage the fern.
Soil: This fern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand to create a suitable soil mix.
Sunlight: Austroblechnum Durum prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sun but requires more frequent watering in this case.
Hardiness Zones: This fern is hardy to USDA zones 8a to 10b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Austroblechnum Durum is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be attacked by spider mites or scale insects. You can control these pests using natural insecticides or by manually removing them from the fern.
Habitat
Austroblechnum Durum is native to the southern parts of South America, including Chile and Argentina. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops, forests, and open grasslands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Austroblechnum Durum a good indoor plant?
A: No, this fern prefers to grow outdoors in partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Q: How often should I water my Austroblechnum Durum fern?
A: You can water it once a week or more frequently during hot weather.
Q: Can Austroblechnum Durum grow in full sun?
A: Yes, but it requires more frequent watering in this case.
Q: What hardiness zones is Austroblechnum Durum suitable for?
A: This fern is hardy to USDA zones 8a to 10b.
Related Plants
Here are some other ferns that are closely related to Austroblechnum Durum:
- Blechnum brasiliense
- Blechnum penna-marina
- Blechnum chilense
- Blechnum parradoi
References
- “Austroblechnum durum (Kunze) Windham”. Plants of the World Online. Kew Science.
- “Austroblechnum durum”. RHS Plants.
- “Austroblechnum durum”. Pacific Horticulture.
