Asplenium australasicum (Birds Nest Fern)
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Birds Nest Fern
Photograph copyright: oznativeplants - all rights reserved.
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BIRDS NEST FERN FACTS |
Map is from The Atlas of Living Australia web site, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License
Common Name
Birds Nest Fern
Description
The Birds Nest Fern has large simple fronds that are light green, often crinkled, with a black midrib. They are epiphytes (sometimes terrestrial) often growing on the branches and trunks of trees. Spores develop in sori on the underside of the fronds. These sori form parallel rows extending out from the midrib on the underside of the frond. The dead fronds roll back forming a leaf nest in the branches and trunks of trees. This fern collects water and humus in its rosette.
Habitat
rainforest in tropical and sub-tropical Queensland
Distribution
Queensland, New South Wales
Growth Characteristics
Height: fronds grow 5cm to 150cm long
Propagation
Birds Nest Fern is propagated by division or by spores. Spores can be collected on a piece of paper placed under spore bearing leaves.
Classification
| Class: | Polypodiopsida | | Order: | Blechnales | | Family: | Aspleniaceae | | Genus: | Asplenium | | Species: | australasicum | | Common Name: | Birds Nest Fern |
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