Existence and Morphology Characteristics of Tunjuk Langit Fern (Helminthostachys zeylanica Hook.) in Bali

This study focused on the existence and morphological characteristics of the sporophyte (Sporophyll and trophophyll) tunjuk langit fern (Helminthostachys zeylanica) in Bali. The study was conducted using exploration method in some areas of rain forest, forest plantations in Bali at an altitude of 300-1,100 m above sea level (asl). The study was conducted in December 2014 to April 2015. The point coordinates of the location of the discovery of H. zeylanica specimens recorded and descriptions of habitat and morphologic character. The identification is done by comparing the specimen sample with a description H. zeylanica which refers to the LIPI, (1979), Heyne, K. (1987), Croft, J. (1999b) and Meddleton, D. (2015). Plants specimens collected for the manufacture of herbarium. The results showed that the Helminthostachys zeylanica can be found in the plantation areas of cacoa (Theobroma cacao), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and mangosteen (Mangostana sp.) at an altitude of 352-360 m asl. in the Kikian village, Selemadeg sub-district of Tabanan- Bali. Grown in soil with high humidity and rich in organic matter. Existence of this species in the habitat is very rare. Is an annual plant, grow well in the rainy season. Habitus is a herb plants, sterile frond part (trophophyll) and fertile (Sporophyll) is different. Trophophyll composed palmatus, tripartite. Sporophyll shaped spice like with tightly attached sporangium, green color (when young) to yellow/brown (when mature). Sporophyll appears above from the base of the leaves tripartite trophophyll. Rhizome is stiff short, creeping in soil bearing the numerous fleshy roots.