Plant · GBIF taxon 2688176
Whisk Fern
Psilotum nudumAlso known as Skeleton Fork Fern, Moa
Whisk ferns represent one of the most primitive lineages of vascular plants, easily recognized by their leafless, green, dichotomously branching stems. Instead of true roots, these unusual plants anchor themselves using underground rhizomes that rely on symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi to absorb nutrients. Conspicuous yellow three-lobed spore capsules called synangia form directly along the upper branches during reproduction.
Vascular PlantPrimitiveRootless
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Herbivorous Insects
ThreatsHabitat destruction, urban development
HabitatsTropical and subtropical forests, rock crevices, epiphytic tree crotches
Life spanPerennial
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPsilotaceae
- SpeciesPsilotum nudum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Stem Inspection: Look closely at the upper green branches for yellow, three-lobed synangia.
- Habitat Spotting: Search in tree crotches, moist rock crevices, or sheltered greenhouse soil.
Close Relative Family Member Primitive Relative
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