PHS "Horticulture 2007" - Winners 18: Psilotum nudum

Philippine Horticultural Society "Horticulture 2007"

Psilotum nudum (Grower: Serapion S. Metilla) - Monina Nepomuceno Perpetual Cup for Best Foliage Plant

Psilotum nudum

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Psilotum nudum (common name: whisk fern) belongs to the family Psilotaceae, characterized by the absence of true roots and leaves. P. nudum has branching rhizomes instead of roots and green vascular stems from which leaf-like outgrowths called "enations" are found. It has a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhiza, a type of fungus, which helps it to absorb water and nutrients.

P. nudum was described by the French botanist Ambrois Palisot de Beauvois in 1805 and is found in tropical and sub-tropical North America, Central America, tropical South America, tropical Asia, North Australia, and New Zealand. It is usually epiphytic but is also found in rocky crevices in sandy ground.

P. nudum can be grown in pots with a well-draining rich humus medium in a semi-shaded area, and watered regularly, although it can tolerate some period of drought.

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