<i>Adiantum </i>plant named ‘TASSELS’

Abstract

A new and distinct Adiantum cultivar named TASSELS is disclosed, characterized by unique clusters of pinnae forming at terminus of fronds on mature plants, creating a different ornamental appearance due this this distinct morphology. Fronds are pendulous, large and composed of large pinnae. Plants of the new variety have been observed to recover rapidly and entirely from die back caused by drought. The new variety is a Adiantum, typically produced as an ornamental plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Adiantum plant named Tassels as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The present invention of a new and distinct variety of Adiantum is shown in the accompanying photographs, the colors being as nearly true as possible with color photographs of this type.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a plant of approximately 24 months from a division.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a close up of the frond, including the clustered terminal pinnae.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart, 2015 edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe TASSELS plants grown outdoors in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand. Temperatures ranged from about 2 C. to 32 C. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Adiantum hybrida TASSELS.

PROPAGATION

(5) Typical method: Division or tissue culture.

PLANT

(6) Plant type: Fern. Growth habit: Pendulous. Height: About 15 to 20 cm from the soil level to the uppermost foliage. From the lowest foliage to the top foliage about 45 to 55 cm. Plant spread: 30 cm. Growth rate: Moderate. Root description: Fibrous, Brown N199B.

FOLIAGE

(7) Frond: Quantity per plant.Average 30 to 60. Frond type.Pinnate. Overall frond shape.Lanceolate. Mature fronds have an ovate cluster of pinnae at the terminal end. Overall frond aspect.Pendulous. Average frond length (including stipe).25 to 60 cm. Average frond width.8 to 12 cm. Pinnae per frond.Average range 80 to 140. Pinnae/leaflets: Average length.8 to 18 mm. Average width.7 to 15 mm. Pinna shape.Somewhat irregular cordate. Apex.Rounded, often with a deep notch forming 2 irregular lobes. Base.Broad attenuate. Margin.Irregularly notched. Aspect.Flat. Texture of top surface.Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.Glabrous. Appearance of top surface.Matte. Appearance of bottom surface.Matte. Color.Young Upper Surface: Yellow-Green 145C flushed 144C. Young Lower Surface: Yellow-Green 145C flushed 144C. Mature Upper Surface: Green 143C flushed 143B. Mature Lower Surface: Green 143C flushed 143B. Venation: Indistinguishable from leaflet blade. Stipe: Length.Average range 1 to 3 cm. Width.About 5 mm. Shape.Rounded. Strength.Moderately strong to strong. Texture.Scaled. Color.RHS Greyed-Orange 167A and 177A and 177B. Pinna petiole (if present): Length.Average range 4 to 9 mm. Width.About 1 mm. Texture.Glabrous. Color.RHS Green 143C flushed Greyed-Orange 167A. Costa/pinna midrib: Not present. Rachis description: Length.Average range 10 to 40 cm. Width.About 4 mm. Color.RHS Greyed-Orange 177A heavily flushed Greyed-Purple 187B. Texture.Glabrous. Strength.Moderate.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(8) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to additional normal diseases and pests of Adiantum has been observed. Drought tolerance: Excellent recovery from extreme drought observed. A plant appearing dead from lack of water, was cut back to the base and resumed active growth within 1 month and complete recovery within 2 months of the cutback. Sori: Wedge-shaped, occurring along leaf apex. 3 mm long and 2 mm in diameter. Colored near Brown 200A.