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Description
Polystichum Wawranum, also known as Wawra’s holly fern, is a beautiful and hardy evergreen fern that belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. This fern is native to the mountainous regions of Central Europe, including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia, where it grows in damp and shady areas such as forests, rocky slopes, and stream banks. Polystichum Wawranum has a rhizomatous habit, which means it spreads by underground stems, and can reach a height of 50-80 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Polystichum |
| Species | Wawranum |
Appearance
Polystichum Wawranum has a beautiful and elegant appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens, landscapes, and indoor decor. Its fronds are lance-shaped, leathery, and dark green, with a glossy texture that reflects the light. The fronds grow in a rosette pattern, which means they radiate from a central point, and can form a dense and compact clump over time. The fronds can reach a length of 60 cm and a width of 15 cm, and have a serrated edge that adds to their ornamental value. The spores of Polystichum Wawranum are produced in clusters on the underside of the fronds, and can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
Polystichum Wawranum is a relatively easy fern to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for your Polystichum Wawranum:
- Water: Polystichum Wawranum prefers moist but well-drained soil, and can tolerate periods of drought as well as excess moisture. Water your fern regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, and make sure to avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Fertilization: Polystichum Wawranum doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Soil: Polystichum Wawranum prefers rich and acidic soil that is high in organic matter, such as peat moss, compost, or leaf mold. Make sure to plant your fern in a pot or a bed with good drainage, and avoid compacted or alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: Polystichum Wawranum prefers partial to full shade, and can tolerate some morning or evening sun. Avoid exposing your fern to direct sunlight or hot and dry winds, as this can cause the fronds to wilt or burn.
- Hardiness Zones: Polystichum Wawranum is a hardy fern that can grow in USDA zones 5-8, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C) and as high as 86°F (30°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Polystichum Wawranum is a relatively pest and disease-resistant fern, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases that can affect your Polystichum Wawranum:
- Scale insects: These small and flat insects can attach themselves to the fronds and suck the sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. You can remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: These tiny and red insects can spin webs on the fronds and suck the sap, causing yellowing, browning, and defoliation. You can spray them with a stream of water or with insecticidal soap.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the fronds, as well as yellowing and defoliation. You can prevent it by avoiding overhead watering and by removing infected fronds.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can affect the roots of your fern, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. You can prevent it by avoiding waterlogging the soil and by planting your fern in well-drained soil.
Habitat
Polystichum Wawranum is a versatile fern that can grow in many habitats and environments, as long as they provide the right conditions. In its native range, Polystichum Wawranum grows in damp and shady areas such as forests, rocky slopes, and stream banks, where it can form dense and lush stands. Polystichum Wawranum can also grow in gardens, landscapes, and indoor environments, as long as they provide partial to full shade, moist but well-drained soil, and protection from direct sunlight and hot winds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polystichum Wawranum tolerate frost?
A: Yes, Polystichum Wawranum is a hardy fern that can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and protected from harsh winds.
Q: How often should I water my Polystichum Wawranum?
A: Polystichum Wawranum prefers moist but well-drained soil, so you should water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. However, make sure to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can cause root rot.
Q: How can I propagate my Polystichum Wawranum?
A: You can propagate your Polystichum Wawranum by dividing the rhizomes in spring or fall, or by sowing the spores on a moist and sterile surface. However, keep in mind that fern propagation can be challenging and requires patience and attention to detail.
Q: Can Polystichum Wawranum grow indoors?
A: Yes, Polystichum Wawranum can grow indoors as long as it is provided with partial to full shade, moist but well-drained soil, and protection from direct sunlight and hot winds. However, keep in mind that indoor environments can be drier and less humid than outdoor environments, so you might need to mist your fern regularly.
Related Plants
- Polystichum acrostichoides
- Polystichum munitum
- Polystichum polyblepharum
- Polystichum setiferum
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- Moody, M. L., & Johnson, A. F. (2012). Ferns: the definitive guide to ferns and fern allies. Timber Press.
- Plants For A Future. (2021). Polystichum wawranum – (Wawra’s Holly Fern). Retrieved from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Polystichum+wawranum
