[APD] Java Fern

["Karen Randall" <krandall at rdrcpa_biz>]

Robert H. wrote:

> I have sold the plant to or experienced myself the plant
> reverting its shape. It seems to be a true variant. Karen Randall has 
> stated
> there are two types of narrow leaf Java fern, tall and short.  This
> distinction however is not made by Oriental Aquarium.

There are actually quite a number of narrow leafed varieties.  I use the 
term "varieties" with caution, because it is not clear whether all "Java 
ferns" are the same species.  There are a number of species within the genus 
Microsorum.  At this point we don't know how many tolerate long-term 
submersed conditions.  Tropica has quite a few different narrow leafed forms 
in their R&D area, but only a few so far have commercial potential.  Some 
only grow emersed, some are too finicky.  Others are just too similar to the 
ones already available.  Unlike 'Windelov' and 'Tropica', these thin leaved 
types are all wild collected material.

I suspect Oriental doesn't make a distinction because they only sell one 
form.  Their book, like Tropica's, is also a catalog of the plants they 
produce and sell.

Chrys wrote:

> That's quite skinny!  So, there are how many kinds of Java Fern that
> we know of now?
> Java Fern
> Java Fern "Windelov"  - Fringy leaf tips
> Java Fern "Tropica"     - Fringy leaf edges
> Java Fern "Narrowleaf"  -Skinny leaves
> Java Fern "Phillipine"    -Pebbly surface
>
>     Have I missed any?

There are MANY types that do not have specific names.  The "normal" Java 
fern on the west coast is different from the "normal" Java fern on the east 
coast.  What we think of as regular, old fashion, large Java fern here is 
quite large, with broad wavy leaves.  The type that is prevalent on the west 
coast is just as tall (perhaps a shade taller) but has narrower leaves with 
a straighter edge and a flatter surface.  Even more notable, while most Java 
ferns (not the really narrow ones) throw tri-lobate leaves as they mature, 
the west cost "regular" type throws many more, so each leaf looks like a 
sword with a hilt.

Then there is the old fashioned small Java.  This is most likely a different 
species, but is as yet not identified.  It has been in the hobby for eons. 
The leaves are only 4-5" long, and I have NEVER seen one become tri-lobate, 
even on stands that are 10 years old.  It is likely that there are other 
ferns out ther waiting to be collected too.

> Wouldn't it be an interesting project to do a
> low tech or low light tank with only different varieties of Java Fern?

Lots of people used to do this.<g>  Many fish keepers still do.

> I've done a tank with only Regular and Windelov.  Would combining
> these affect things like losing characteristic traits?

No.  Both of these are stable varieties.

> Would these
> varieties all cross after a while of growing in one tank, to form one
> generic "Java Fern-esqe" plant?

If you sexually propagated them, I suppose there is that possibility.  But 
hardly anyone sexually propagates Java fern, and if they do, they do it on 
purpose, and for the experience.  Not simply to produce more plants.

Karen


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