Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern)

Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) green and brown leaves, dense texture on this unique plant
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with long green fronds and thick, brown, textured shield-like basal leaves.

Botanical names: Drynaria willdenowii, Polypodium willdenowii

Common name: Basket Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae

Origin: Mauritius, Madagascar

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Semi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Semi-shade; shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEpiphyte plantWatering: Regular; epiphyte. Needs light, frequent misting or soaking to stay hydrated.
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Basket ferns are epiphytic (growing on trees) or epipetric (growing on rocks and brick walls).

Basket ferns are characterized by the presence of two types of fronds, fertile foliage fronds and sterile nest fronds. The dark green foliage fronds are large, 2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 m) long, with elongated stalks. They are deeply lobed or pinnate, winged, and bear sori (structures producing and containing spores) on the bottom surfaces.

The nest fronds are smaller rounded leaves basal to the foliage fronds. They do not bear sori and are persistent, not being shed after turning brown and dying. They form a characteristic 'basket' that collect litter and organic debris, hence the common name.

Similar plants: Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern)


Image gallery: 7 images
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with lush green and dry brown leaves, a close up plant.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) showing contrasting green fronds against dry brown shield-like foliage segments.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) deep green leaves close up reaching toward the light source.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with long, slender green leaves and rust colored underside segments.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) deep green plant leaves growing in a clump with texture.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with long, flowing deep green fronds arching in a dense group.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with green fronds and brown shield leaves in close up.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) green fronds extending over dried brown shield leaves in this close up.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with brown leaves close up of textured foliage in detailed view.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) close up on multiple brown, oak-like textured leaves overlapping in dense layers.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with brown and green leaves, a lush tropical epiphytic plant.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with brown oak-shaped leaves and long green fronds extending outwards.
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) brown and green leaves close up plant
Drynaria willdenowii (Basket Fern) with dense brown oak-shaped leaves and long green fronds.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/drynaria_willdenowii.htm
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