@ Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC
Hypolepis sparsisora coll. #A1SA-310
Sparse-spore South African Fern
Write a review
|
Ask a Question
Item #: 9211
Zones: 8a to 10b, at least
Height: 36" tall
Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade
Origin: South Africa
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L) ?
Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Click to learn all about the genus Hypolepis and to shop.
Click Add to Wishlist to receive an email if this plant is back in stock.
We found this African fern growing on Capetown's Table Mountain at 1,500' elevation and, despite the climatic difference, it has been right at home in our NC garden. The name hypolepis, which should mean "fast-leaping," actually means "scales underneath," while sparsisora refers to the diminished number of sori (spore cases). The large, lacy fronds of Hypolepis sparsisora reach 3' in length for us, but can top 9' tall in tropical climates. Hypolepis sparsisora is a spreading fern that can easily form a 6' wide patch in 2-3 years, especially when grown in moist soils. Drier soils slow the growth rate rather dramatically.