Status:
valid
Authors:
Virot
Source:
cmp
Year:
1975
Citation Micro:
Fl. Nouv.-Calédonie & Dépend. 6: 138 (1975)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000656400
Common Names
- Balansae Dracophyllum
- Balansae Dragon Leaf
- Balansae Dragon Plant
Description
Dracophyllum balansae (also called Balansa's Tree Fern, among many other common names) is a large, evergreen fern native to New Caledonia. It has long, narrow fronds and small, brown spores. It grows in moist, shady forests in New Caledonia.
Uses & Benefits
Dracophyllum balansae is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as it produces attractive yellow flowers. It is also used in rock gardens and as a ground cover. The plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat skin diseases, wounds, and urinary tract infections.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Dracophyllum balansae are small, yellow-green in color, and have five petals. The seeds are small, round, and black in color. The seedlings are small, with thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dracophyllum balansae is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 1 m in height. It is propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and rooted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. The shrub prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade.
Where to Find Dracophyllum balansae
Dracophyllum balansae is native to New Zealand and can be found in the North Island and the South Island.
Dracophyllum balansae FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dracophyllum balansae?
Dracophyllum balansae
What is the common name of Dracophyllum balansae?
Balansa's Dracophyllum
What is the natural habitat of Dracophyllum balansae?
Montane to subalpine forest
Species in the Dracophyllum genus
Dracophyllum acerosum,
Dracophyllum adamsii,
Dracophyllum alticola,
Dracophyllum arboreum,
Dracophyllum arcuatum,
Dracophyllum balansae,
Dracophyllum cockaynianum,
Dracophyllum cosmelioides,
Dracophyllum densiflorum,
Dracophyllum densum,
Dracophyllum elegantissimum,
Dracophyllum erectum,
Dracophyllum filifolium,
Dracophyllum fiordense,
Dracophyllum fitzgeraldii,
Dracophyllum insulare,
Dracophyllum involucratum,
Dracophyllum kirkii,
Dracophyllum latifolium,
Dracophyllum lessonianum,
Dracophyllum longifolium,
Dracophyllum mackeeanum,
Dracophyllum macranthum,
Dracophyllum marginatum,
Dracophyllum marmoricola,
Dracophyllum matthewsii,
Dracophyllum menziesii,
Dracophyllum milligani,
Dracophyllum minimum,
Dracophyllum muscoides,
Dracophyllum oceanicum,
Dracophyllum oliveri,
Dracophyllum ophioliticum,
Dracophyllum ouaiemense,
Dracophyllum paludosum,
Dracophyllum palustre,
Dracophyllum patens,
Dracophyllum pearsonii,
Dracophyllum politum,
Dracophyllum pronum,
Dracophyllum prostratum,
Dracophyllum pubescens,
Dracophyllum pyramidale,
Dracophyllum ramosum,
Dracophyllum recurvum,
Dracophyllum rosmarinifolium,
Dracophyllum saxicola,
Dracophyllum sayeri,
Dracophyllum scoparium,
Dracophyllum secundum,
Species in the Ericaceae family