Adiantum flabellulatum

Scientific name: Adiantum flabellulatum L.

Family: Sinopteridaceae

Distribution: Philippines – only in Ilocos Norte. Also found in India to China, Japan and Malaysia.

Description: Rhizomes scaly. Stipes to 30 cm long, black, shiny. Laminae pedate; pinnae rhomboid shape, the outer end rounded, with short teeth when sterile, margins slightly notched. Sori found along the margins.

Conservation Notes: In the Philippines, this beautiful terrestrial fern is found only in the primary and secondary forests in Ilocos Norte. It grows on rocks, steep slopes and in wet soils. It has attractive fronds and is of ornamental potential. It is also reported to be medicinal. The plant is rarely cultivated in gardens.

For further information contact: Domingo A. Madulid, Philippine National Museum, Botany Division, P. Burgos St., Manila. Tel 5271218. Email: [email protected]