Whisk Fern

  • Title

    Whisk Fern

  • Author(s)

    Ethan H. Freid

  • Scientific Name

    Psilotum nudum (L.) P.Beauv.

  • Description

    Common Names

    Whisk Fern

    Family

    Psilotaceae

    Habit

    Psilotum nudum grows as a low herb to 30 cm with dichotomously branching stems and no true leaves. The stems are 3-angled and slightly winged along the ribs. Bract-like appendages occur along the stem.

    The reproductive structures are sporangia that occur in fused groups of 3’s (synangium) on a highly reduced branch. Below the synangium is a bifurcating bract. The sporangium turns yellow at maturity. Dehiscence of the spores is by a longitudinal suture on the upper portion of the synangium.

    Habitat

    Psilotum nudum grows in moist areas often associated with monocots

    Distribution in Bahamas/Globally

    Psilotum nudum occurs in the central and northern island groupings of the Bahamian Archipelago as well as throughout the new and old world tropical and subtropical zones.

    Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage

    Psilotum nudum is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.

    Psilotum nudum has been used in the horticultural trade.