| Paku Pelanduk (Pteris semipinnata) | 21 Dec 2004 |
| Pteris
semipinnata
is truly as ellusive as its name-saked pelanduk (mousedeer
- in Malay). It is an uncommon fern which seemed to be confined currently
to habitats such as coastal hills and islands in Singapore. Two modest
populations can still be found on Pulau Ubin and Telok Blangah Hill
in small isolated patches. The sickle-shaped basioscopic lobes of the lower pinnae give the fern its strikingly-handsome appearance. They resembles out-stretched wings |
 |
Greater effort is needed in increasing their numbers through conservation measures such as in-vitro propagation, and much more can be done to help the fern re-establish itself in other similar habitats throughout Singapore thereafter. Hopefully, it will not remain a beautiful fern with a beautiful name and with no future. If we can help it, the present ferns should not become swan-songs going in the way of the pelanduk.. into oblivions.
Update 2 Jan 2007: Another substantial population has been discovered on Sisters' Islands.
See other rare native ferns:
Syngramma alismifolia | Dipteris conjugata | Tectaria vasta | Pyrrosia angustata |
Davalia solida |