Platycerium sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Ferns in this genus are widely known as Staghorn or Elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely-shaped fronds. Platycerium sporophytes (adult plants) have tufted roots growing from a short rhizome that bears two types of fronds, basal and fertile fronds. Basal fronds are sterile, shield or kidney shaped and laminate against the tree and protect the fern's roots from damage and dessication. In some Platycerium species the top margin of these fronds forms an open crown of lobes and thereby catches falling forest litter and water. Fertile fronds bear spores on their undersurface, are dichotomous or antler shaped and jut out or hang from the rhizome.

Species and varieties:

Platycerium bifurcatum

Platycerium coronarium

Platycerium superbum

Platycerium wandae

Similar plants:

• Platycerium bifurcatum, Platycerium alcicorne (Elkhorn Fern, Staghorn)
• Platycerium coronarium (Stag's Horn Fern, Staghorn)
• Platycerium wandae (Queen Elkhorn Fern)