Polystichum Braunii
Contents
Description
Polystichum Braunii, commonly known as Braun’s Holly Fern, is a species of evergreen fern that belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae. It is native to Japan and grows in dense clusters in moist shady areas such as woodland and rocky cliffs. The fern can grow up to 60cm in height and has an upright spreading habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Polystichum |
| Species | Polystichum Braunii |
Appearance
Polystichum Braunii has glossy green fronds that grow up to 60cm long and 20cm wide. The fronds have a leathery texture and are bipinnate. The leaflets are oblong to lanceolate and have a serrate margin. The fern produces spores on the underside of the fronds in clusters called sori, which are covered by a protective membrane called an indusium.
Care Guide
Water: Polystichum Braunii prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the fern regularly, especially during the growing season, and ensure that the soil remains consistently moist.Fertilization: Fertilize the fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: Polystichum Braunii prefers well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mixture of peat moss and sand to improve drainage.Sunlight: The fern prefers partial to full shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Place the fern in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Polystichum Braunii is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polystichum Braunii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. These can be controlled by spraying the fern with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Polystichum Braunii is native to Japan and grows in moist shady areas such as woodland and rocky cliffs. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polystichum Braunii tolerate direct sunlight?
A: No, the fern prefers partial to full shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight.Q: What is the ideal soil type for Polystichum Braunii?
A: The fern prefers well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.Q: Is Polystichum Braunii resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, the fern is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polystichum Braunii?
A: The fern is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Polystichum Braunii:
- Polystichum Acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)
- Polystichum Setiferum (Soft Shield Fern)
- Polystichum Tsus-simense (Korean Rock Fern)
- Polystichum Polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern)
References
- “Polystichum braunii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j180.
- “Polystichum braunii.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/polystichum-braunii.
- “Polystichum braunii.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17430/i-Polystichum-braunii-i/Details.
