whisk fern; Psilotum nudum
A primitive fern-like plant with leafless green stems. Botanical term, but also known in gardening contexts.
Whisk ferns are widely distributed from tropical to subtropical regions of the world.
A rare whisk fern is on display in this greenhouse.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is usually referred to in kana.
The name マツバラン (松葉蘭) literally means 'pine-needle orchid', from the resemblance of its stems to pine needles and its superficial similarity to orchids. The exact derivation is uncertain.