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Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus
-25.0333, 46.9833
Field Notes
Description:
It forms large simple fronds visually similar to Banana leaves, with the fronds growing to 50-150 cm long and 10-20 cm broad. They are light green, often crinkled, with a black midrib, and exhibit circinate vernation. Spores develop in sori on the underside of the fronds. These sori form long rows extending out from the midrib on the back of the outer part of the lamina (frond). The fronds roll back as they brown and create a massive leaf nest in the branches and trunks of trees.
Habitat:
The habit of this fern can be epiphytal or terrestrial, but it typically grows on organic matter. This fern often lives in trees like a bromeliad, where it collects water and humus in its leaf-rosette. It thrives in warm, humid areas in partial to full shade.
Notes:
I spotted this Bird's Nest Fern growing wild in Andohahela National Park in southern Madagascar, a few hours from Fort Dauphin.
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