Family: Polypodiaceae
Commin Name: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern

Commonly found in tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and Australia, this genus of 17 species of ferns contains both epiphytic and lithophytic (rock-growing) types. The frond structure varies, but always comprises two forms, fertile and infertile. The backing, or nest, leaves are infertile, helping to attach the fern to its host, and providing moisture and food to the roots of the fern. The fertile fronds overhang the base of the plant and produce spore material. When they die off, they are replaced by new fronds.

Species

P. bifurcatum, common staghorn fern, is an Australian species, which is native to New South Wales and Queensland. The nest leaves are large, wavy-edged and rounded. The fertile fronds protrude outward into two forks, often with several lobes, carrying the spore cases on the underside. These fronds become pendulous with age.

P. superbum, staghorn fern, is a beautiful species, and much larger than P. bifurcatum. The large, light gray-green backing leaves form a circular shape, while the fertile fronds extend outwards and become pendulous like those of the common staghorn fern. Spore cases develop on the frond undersides. A frayed appearance is created when the spore cases burst to reveal masses of hanging threads.

Cultivation

'these ferns produce offsets or plantlets on the outside of the nest leaves, resulting in the continual growth of the clump. These can be carefully cut off, attached to boards or logs, and kept moist until established and then placed in permanent positions. P. superbum, however, must be propagated from spores and, for the novice grower, this is quite difficult. Elkhorns and staghorns can be grown on boards, terracotta, hardwood logs, a tree trunk, or on hanging baskets lined with bark or moss. They grow slowly, taking around four years to produce the fertile fronds. Outside the tropics, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Climate

Tropical.