tropical rainforest mystery

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by panama, May 21, 2008.

  1. panama

    panama Member

    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Panama
    can someone please help me ID this plant at least to Family? It is a deep tropical rainforest plant. Leaves measure 9 cm x 3 cm or 3.5 inches by 1 inches. Grows low to the ground. Pics are of entire plant, dorsal and ventral surfaces of leaves. Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,378
    Likes Received:
    836
    Location:
    WA USA (Z8)
    This is a fern. The rim on the leaf visible in right photo is where the spores will be found.
     
  3. DGuertin

    DGuertin Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    332
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Looks to be a cyrtomium species, but I'll have to dig on that before I commit to it. I'm failry certain it's not, as the sori are in the completely wrong place for it... Gorgeous fern though! Salut!
     
  4. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    10,611
    Likes Received:
    645
    Location:
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Assuming it is growing wild, I don't think it'd be Cyrtomium based on the distribution of the genus (Asia, Africa (incl. Madagascar) and Pacific Islands), but that's what I first thought it resembled, as well.
     
  5. David in L A

    David in L A Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    671
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Los Angeles, U.S.
    More likely a Pteris, based on marginal sori and false indusium (spores under rolled-over leaf margin)
     
  6. panama

    panama Member

    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Panama
    My first assessment was that this plant was a fern. I am pleased to have this confirmed. The indigenous Indians of the area believe it posses incredible medicinal properties. Perhaps others of this Family/Genus/species share similar characteristics?
     
  7. DGuertin

    DGuertin Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    332
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Well, dig me a few and I'll grow them up a bit and let you know! If you don't hear from me in three years or so, I died trying to figure it out... ;)
     
  8. panama

    panama Member

    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Panama
    You would have died happy. It is their version of viagra. The prep/method of use and dosage is a highly guarded secret. Only the "curandero" (medicine man) knows......
     
  9. DGuertin

    DGuertin Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    332
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    I would certainly enjoy trying to figure out the proper dosage! :D
     
  10. panama

    panama Member

    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Panama
    wouldn't we all......
     

Share This Page