| Etymology | Genus | Flame-coloured, referring to the fertile fronds covered with orange sori |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Resembling Pilosella, likely because it also have very long rhizomes | |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Pteris piloselloides L., Drymoglossum piloselloides (L.) C. Presl | |
| Common Names | Dragon's Scale Fern | |
| Status | Native: Common | |
| Form | Epiphyte | |
| Native Distribution | Northeastern India to thoughtout Southeast Asia | |
Diagnostics:
The fronds of this fern are almost circular and "pasted" on the trunks and branches of trees. Sometimes, they are oval in shape. Some Dischidia species like D. nummularia and D. major are similar, but their leaves are oppositely arranged.
Interesting Facts:
This is the most familar fern found on urban trees and is regarded as the pioneer epiphytes (Wee, 1984). Older trees are sometimes totally engulfed by their circlar fronds, leading to its common name as of Dragon's Scale. The fertile fronds are markly different being very narrow and elongated. The sori runs along the sides of the blade margin.
A tree trunk covered with the Dragon's Scale Fern.
Circular fronds is the typical shape.
Sometimes the fronds are slightly elongated.
Fertile fronds are narrow and much more elongated.
References
Wee YC. (1984) Common Ferns and Fern-Allies of Singapore. Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), Singapore. 84 pp.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2012-11-15 / Modified: 2019-08-27
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