Description of Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens.
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens. is a type of fern that is native to North America, specifically Alaska, Canada, and the United States.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Alaskan adder's tongue, northern adder's tongue, or simply adder's tongue fern.
Uses
In traditional medicine, the dried leaves and spores of Ophioglossum vulgatum var. alaskanum have been used to treat various ailments such as blood disorders, coughs, and rheumatism. However, these uses are not scientifically proven and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
As a plant, it is also interesting to note that Ophioglossum vulgatum var. alaskanum is an indicator of healthy and unpolluted environments.
General Appearance
Ophioglossum vulgatum var. alaskanum is a small fern that grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall with leaves that resemble the tongue of a snake, hence its common name "adder's tongue."
Its leaves are simple, single, and elongated, growing directly from the ground and forming a rosette. They are shiny deep green and measure up to 8-30 cm long and 0.6-3 cm wide. The spores, which are the reproductive structures of this plant, are present in a spike-like structure at the end of the leaf.
Overall, the Alaskan adder's tongue is a unique and interesting fern species that is worth admiring for its distinct appearance and potential medicinal uses.
Light Requirements
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum typically grows in areas with partial to full shade. It is best to provide indirect light or moderate shady spots for this plant. Direct sunlight may cause scorching or burning of its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum falls between 10 and 30°C. The optimal temperature for growth and development of this plant species ranges from 15 to 25°C. Lower temperatures below 10°C may slow down its growth rate, while temperatures exceeding 30°C may cause extensive damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum grows well in moist, well-draining soils. It thrives in organic-rich, loamy or sandy soils with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. This plant species can tolerate occasional periods of drought. In wet soils or areas with poor drainage, it is advisable to plant Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum in raised beds or containers.
Cultivation Methods
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens. is a hardy plant that can be grown outdoors or indoors. If grown outdoors, it should be planted in a shaded area with well-drained soil. If grown indoors, it should be planted in a pot with well-drained soil and placed in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Propagation can be done by spores, which should be collected when they are ripe and sown on a mixture of peat and sand. The spores should be covered thinly with vermiculite and kept moist. It can take up to two years for the plants to establish themselves from spores.
Watering Needs
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens. prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. When watering, make sure the water drains properly to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens. However, if the plant seems to be struggling, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring and summer months.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens. However, dead fronds and leaves can be removed as needed to maintain the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens.
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum (E.G. Britt.) C. Christens., also known as the Alaska moonwort, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Propagation through spores and vegetative propagation are the most commonly used methods for this plant.
Propagation through spores
The propagation of Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum through spores involves the collection of spores from mature plants and their subsequent cultivation. The spores can be collected from the fertile spike of the plant, which typically emerges in early spring and grows to a height of 5 to 20 centimeters. The spike can be harvested when the spores turn brownish-black, which usually occurs in early to mid-summer.
The collected spores can then be sown in a growing medium consisting of peat moss and sand at a ratio of 1:1. The growing medium should be kept moist and the temperature should be maintained at around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius for optimal growth. The spores can take up to six months to germinate and should be kept in a shaded area during the initial stage of growth.
Vegetative propagation
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum can also be propagated vegetatively through the division of the rhizome. The rhizome should be divided into several parts, each containing at least one growing point. The divided sections can then be planted in a growing medium consisting of peat moss and sand at a ratio of 1:1. The growing medium should be kept moist and the temperature maintained at around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius for optimal growth. The plants should be kept in a shaded area during the initial stage of growth and allowed to establish themselves before being transplanted.
Disease Management
Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum is generally a hardy species, but diseases can occasionally strike. One of the most common diseases affecting the plant is fungal infections. Fusarium fungus is a common pathogen that causes wilting and root rot in vegetables and plant seedlings. This fungus disturbs the plant's water distribution system, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Blossom-end rot, leaf blight, and damping-off are other fungal diseases that can infect Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum. Fungal diseases can be prevented by practising good cultural control measures, such as rotating crops and using healthy seeds.
Pest Management
Pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can harm Ophioglossum vulgatum L. var. alaskanum. They feed on plant tissues, causing wilting, stunted growth, and plant death in some cases. Aphids are mostly found on stems, leaves, and buds, while spider mites mostly thrive on the underside of leaves. Mealybugs, on the other hand, disguise themselves as cottony wax masses on the leaf surface and plant stem joints. Pests can be managed by using natural predators, such as lady beetles and lacewings. Sprays of insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and neem oil can also control them. Biological control measures like replacing natural predators can also keep these pests at bay.
