• Photo of Psilotum nudum (Psilotum nudums)

Plant Profile: Psilotum nudum

Taxonomy: Psilotum nudum

Names

Skeleton Fern, Wisk Fern

  • Photo of Psilotum nudum (Psilotum nudums)

Phonetic Spelling:sy-LAH-tum NEW-doom

Genus:Psilotum

Species:nudum

Family:Psilotaceae

Wisk Fern is a unique, fern-like species native to various regions, distinguished by its absence of common vascular plant characteristics such as leaves and flowers. Instead, it features stems adorned with yellow sporangia that resemble small balls. Frequently regarded as weeds within the nursery sector, these plants can thrive either on the ground or as epiphytes. When growing terrestrially, their stems stand upright, while in epiphytic form, they tend to droop and exhibit a dichotomous branching pattern. The branches are numerous and take on a triangular shape. This pantropical plant is valued for its rarity as a primitive vascular species, although it has the potential to become an invasive weed in greenhouse settings.

Identification Tips:

Psilotum nudum Feature Summary

Psilotum nudum Image Gallery

Tags

#green
#weedy
#NC native
#fantz
#tropical feel

Similar Plants

Psilotum nudum Feature Summary

Attributes
Tropics and Subtropical areas
Perennial
Fruit
Does not produce fruits, produces spores in yellow spherical sporangia.
Leaves
This plant lacks leaves. There are leaf-like enations that are remote, triangular-subulate, and much less than in inch long. Sporangia is in trios, and unites to form a synangium, yellow or tinged brown.
Whole Plant Traits
Perennial
Native Plant
Weed
Landscape
Native Garden

Psilotum nudum Attributes

Psilotum nudum: Country Or Region Of Origin

Tropics and Subtropical areas

Psilotum nudum: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Psilotum nudum Fruit

Psilotum nudum: Fruit Description

Does not produce fruits, produces spores in yellow spherical sporangia.

Psilotum nudum Leaves

Psilotum nudum: Leaf Description

This plant lacks leaves. There are leaf-like enations that are remote, triangular-subulate, and much less than in inch long. Sporangia is in trios, and unites to form a synangium, yellow or tinged brown.

Psilotum nudum: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Psilotum nudum Whole Plant Traits

Psilotum nudum: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Psilotum nudum Stem

Psilotum nudum: Stem Color

grass
Green

Psilotum nudum: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Psilotum nudum Landscape

Psilotum nudum: Landscape Theme

Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden

Psilotum nudum: Problems

Allelopathic
Contact Dermatitis
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Invasive Species
Malodorous
Messy
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Children
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Short-lived
Spines/Thorns
Weak Wood
Weedy