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Amauropelta spp.
Tropical America, with species in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific
Overview
Amauropelta spp. is a large genus of about 200 terrestrial ferns in the family Thelypteridaceae, most numerous in the cool, moist mountains of tropical America but reaching Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The plants grow from short, erect or creeping rhizomes and form tufts or spreading colonies of soft, once-divided (pinnate) fronds 20-120 cm (8-47 in) long. The lower pairs of leaflets are usually reduced to small, widely spaced flaps that shrink gradually down the stalk, a feature that helps separate the genus from other maiden ferns. Fronds are thin-textured and often shed in dry or cold spells. Like all ferns, Amauropelta spp. reproduces by spores rather than seed; the spores form in small round clusters (sori) on the underside of fertile leaflets, usually near the margins. Most species grow in damp forest, on shaded banks, beside streams, and in cloud forest, where constant humidity and dappled light suit them. They need shelter from drying wind and direct midday sun and are frost-sensitive in all but a few highland species. Growth is steady where moisture is reliable and stalls in dry air.
Native Range
Native mainly to the tropical Americas, with additional species in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, growing in moist montane and lowland forest.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded, moist borders, woodland and fern gardens, and beside ponds and streams where humidity stays high. Tender species are kept as foliage houseplants or in greenhouses and terrariums.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'11"
Width/Spread1' - 2'11"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Ferns do not flower; Amauropelta spp. reproduces by spores. The round sori ripen on the underside of fertile fronds through the warm, moist months and release spores to the wind. New fronds unfurl from the crown in spring and through the growing season.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight