Bird's Nest Fern

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The diverse microhabitats that exist in the tropical forest have provided many species of plants with different form and structure to flourish. Among them is the Bird’s Nest fern (Asplenium sp.) which typically lives as epiphyte, but it grows on the ground as well. It is unmistakable in appearance, with many long, lanceoate leaves that spring from the short rhizomes. The leaves of the Bird's Nest Fern are almost stalkless, thick, glossy green with a dark midrib and arranged in a rosette which resemble the shuttlecock.

bird nest fern
Bird's Nest Fern is an epiphyte

Such leaves arrangement has important survival implication, for it traps fallen leaves and other organic materials from the canopy. Then, in due time, those material with decompose and provide a rich source of food for the plants. Water is absorbed by the mass of roots, which soaked rain water as it run down along the branches and trunk.
 
bird's nest fern, Asplenium, epiphyte
A huge Bird's Nest Fern on a tall rainforest tree.

Some local tribes consume the plant and some people use it in traditional medicine to ease childbirth. This fern also has horticultural values as it can be planted in gardens on the ground or in pots. To grow well in should be planted in shady areas as it is very sensitive to direct sunlight. The soil should be somewhat low in pH and it must be well drained.

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