Elkhorn fern facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elkhorn fern
P. bifurcatum
Conservation status
Least Concern (NCA)
Scientific classification

Platycerium bifurcatum, the elkhorn fern or common staghorn fern, is a species of fern native to Java, New Guinea and eastern Australia, in New South Wales, Queensland and on Lord Howe Island. It is a bracket epiphyte occurring in and near rainforests. Growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall by 80 cm (31 in) broad, it has heart-shaped sterile fronds 12–45 cm (5–18 in) long, and arching grey-green fertile fronds which are forked and strap-shaped, and grow up to 90 cm (35 in) long.

The genus name Platycerium comes from the Greek platys (flat), and ceras (horn), while the specific epithet bifurcatum means bifurcated or forked. Both names are referring to the fertile fronds.

Platycerium bifurcatum is cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens. With a minimum temperature requirement of 5 °C (41 °F), in temperate regions it may be grown outdoors in sheltered locations, otherwise as a houseplant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Platycerium bifurcatum sporangia

• NSW Flora Online http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Platycerium~bifurcatum retrieved 3 September 2009

Images for kids

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  Platycerium superbum at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Australia

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  Platycerium bifurcatum from the Mendut Temple, Indonesia

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  Platycerium coronarium from Pahang, Malaysia

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  Platycerium grande from Bukidnon, Philippines

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  Platycerium elephantotis at Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden, Finland

See also

In Spanish: Helechos cuerno de ciervo para niños