Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants by common name A-L Platycerium bifurcatum

Platycerium bifurcatum

elkhorn on tree trunk

(Elkhorn fern)

FAMILY

Polypodiaceae

Species

Platycerium bifurcatum

Common name

Elkhorn fern

Life form

Epiphytic fern

Campus

Townsville

Description

This fern has two types of fronds, the ‘nest’ or basket ones that are clinging onto the tree or supporting structure; these are rounded to reniform, with lobing on the upper margin particularly. The pendulous fronds are forked, greyish green on the lower surface, which is densely covered with stellate hairs.