Asplenium nidus

Plant Characteristics

Habit		fern
Lifespan:	⌛	perennial

Cultivation

Exposure:	☼	part-sun, shade

Scientific Names

Asplenium >

nidus >

Asplenium nidus is a species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae, native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii,Template:Cn Polynesia,Template:Cn Christmas Island,Template:Cn India,Template:Cn and eastern Africa. It is known by the common names bird's-nest fern (a name shared by other Aspleniums) or simply nest fern.

Asplenium nidus 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.

Read about Asplenium nidus in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Asplenium nidus, Linn. (Thamnópteris Nidus, Presl. A. and T. Nidus-avis, Hort.). Bird's-nest Fern. Fig. 414. Much like the preceding in size and habit of growth, but with entire margined lvs. and with the veins partly united to form a net. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

Cultivation

Asplenium nidus can survive either as an epiphytal, or terrestrial plant, but typically grows on organic matter. This fern often lives in palm trees or bromeliads, where it collects water and humus in its leaf-rosette.Template:Cn It thrives in warm, humid areas in partial to full shade.

Gallery

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

External links

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