Alsophila acaulis

Alsophila acaulis, synonym Cyathea hancockii, is a species of tree fern native to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The specific epithet hancockii commemorates William Hancock (1847-1914), who collected numerous plants in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. It grows in forest, on stream banks, and in forest margins at an elevation of about 600 m or higher.[2]

Alsophila acaulis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Cyatheales
Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Species:
A. acaulis
Binomial name
Alsophila acaulis
Makino[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Alsophila denticulata Baker
  • Cyathea acaulis (Makino) Domin
  • Cyathea hancockii Copel.
  • Cyathea polyodonta Domin
  • Dryopteris denticulata Hayata
  • Dryopteris hancockii (Copel.) Nakai
  • Dryopteris taitunensis Koidz.
  • Gymnosphaera denticulata (Baker) Copel.
  • Gymnosphaera hancockii (Copel.) Ching

Description

The trunk of the Alsophila acaulis plant is either prostrate or short and erect. Fronds may be bi- or tripinnate and up to 1.5 m in length. Characteristically of this species, the lowest pinnae are usually reduced. The rachis and stipe are glossy, brown to purple-dark brown in colouration, and bear scales and hairs on the upper surface. These scales are brown, linear and have rounded bases. Sori occur in two rows, one on either side of the pinnule midvein, and lack indusia.[2]

Cultivation

Alsophila acaulis has entered cultivation although it is still very rare. This species may survive light frosts, but should ideally be grown in rich humus and under shelter. Plants need to be watered well and provided with a consistent supply moisture.

References
  1. Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (June 2019). "Alsophila acaulis". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. 8. Retrieved 2019-08-20.
  2. Large, Mark F. & Braggins, John E. (2004). Tree Ferns. Timber Press. p. 139. ISBN 978-0-88192-630-9.
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