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Description
Macrostylis Villosa, commonly known as the hairy lip fern, is a species of fern that belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. This plant is native to North America, particularly in the eastern part of the continent, where it can be found growing in moist woodlands and along streams.This fern is named for its unique feature of having a hairy or fuzzy lip on the underside of its fronds. The plant has a creeping habit, with long, slender rhizomes that can grow up to 60 cm in length. The fronds are typically 30-60 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, and they are deeply lobed with pointed tips.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Macrostylis |
| Species | Macrostylis Villosa |
Appearance
The Macrostylis Villosa has a unique appearance with its long, slender rhizomes and deeply lobed fronds. The fronds are typically a bright green color and have a pointed tip. They are deeply lobed and can grow up to 60 cm long and 5-15 cm wide. The undersides of the fronds have a hairy or fuzzy lip, which is a distinguishing feature of this fern.
Care Guide
Macrostylis Villosa is relatively easy to care for and makes a great addition to any garden. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: This fern prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly to keep the soil consistently damp.Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: This fern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: While this fern can tolerate some sunlight, it prefers to be in shaded areas.Hardiness Zones: Macrostylis Villosa is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Macrostylis Villosa is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, some common pests and diseases that can affect this fern include:Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.Diseases: Root rot, fungal leaf spot, and bacterial blight.To prevent these issues, be sure to keep the plant’s environment clean and dry, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Macrostylis Villosa is native to North America and can be found growing in moist woodlands and along streams. It prefers shaded areas with moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Macrostylis Villosa be grown indoors?A: Yes, this fern can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with enough shade and moisture.Q: How often should I water Macrostylis Villosa?A: This fern prefers consistently moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Macrostylis Villosa?A: This fern is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.Q: What is the best soil for Macrostylis Villosa?A: This fern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Macrostylis Villosa:- Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair fern)- Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern)- Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern)- Polypodium virginianum (Rock polypody)- Thelypteris palustris (Marsh fern)
References
– “Macrostylis villosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279629&isprofile=0&.- “Macrostylis villosa.” The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/macrostylis-villosa/.- “Macrostylis villosa.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/macrostylis-villosa/.
