Aglaomorpha rigidula | |
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A. rigidula growing in Queensland | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Division: | Polypodiophyta |
Class: | Polypodiopsida |
Order: | Polypodiales |
Suborder: | Polypodiineae |
Family: | Polypodiaceae |
Genus: | Aglaomorpha |
Species: | A. rigidula
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Binomial name | |
Aglaomorpha rigidula (Wall. ex Mett.) Copel.
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Synonyms | |
Drynaria rigidula, Pseudodrynaria rigidula |
Aglaomorpha rigidula is a species of tropical fern in genus Aglaomorpha widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, from Southwest China to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.[1] Growing as an epiphyte or lithophyte, its green fronds are up to 1.22 metres (4 ft 0 in) in length. This fern develops two types of fronds, some of which near the base of the plant are shorter, sterile, and rust-colored which form a basket-like shape that trap moisture and organic components that nourish it.[2] Especially in colder weather, this basket acts as prime habitat for animals such as the Amethystine python.[3]
The rhizomes of A. rigidula are sometimes used in traditional medicine as a folk remedy, and do have some antioxidant properties though valid medical application has yet to be found through pharmacological studies.[4][5][6]
Media related to Drynaria rigidula at Wikimedia Commons