Platycerium bifurcatum

English names: Elkhorn fern/Staghorn fern

Latin name: Platycerium bifurcatum

Family: Polypodiaceae - Polypodiaceae

Origin: Java, New Guinea, southeastern Australia

The elkhorn or staghorn fern is an epiphytic fern, attaching itself to tree trunks in rainforests. It grows up to 90 cm. tall and 80 cm. wide. It produces two kinds of fronds: one heart-shaped, 12 to 45 cm. long, brown, lying close to the tree trunk; the other long, grey-green and up to 90 cm. long, fork-shaped like an elk’s or deer’s antlers – hence, the plant’s name. This fern is grown as a potted plant.