Platycerium
Platycerium
Platycerium Desv. is a genus of epiphytic ferns in the family Polypodiaceae. Approximately 18 species are currently recognized, occurring throughout the tropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania. The center of diversity lies in the Indo-Australian region, particularly in New Guinea. Most species grow on mature forest trees in humid lowland and montane rainforests, although a few also inhabit seasonally dry environments.
A defining characteristic of Platycerium is the presence of two distinct types of fronds. The sterile shield fronds surround the rhizome, anchor the plant to its host tree, and collect falling organic debris and water. Over time, this material decomposes into a nutrient-rich substrate that sustains the fern. The fertile fronds are antler-like in shape and bear large spore-producing sori on their undersides.
Two species, Platycerium ridleyi and P. madagascariense, have evolved an intimate symbiosis with ants. Their shield fronds form hollow chambers that provide nesting sites for ant colonies, while the ferns benefit from the nutrients deposited by their inhabitants. This myrmecophytic lifestyle is thought to have evolved independently at least twice within the genus.
With their remarkable growth form and specialized adaptation to an epiphytic lifestyle, staghorn ferns are among the most distinctive members of the tropical fern flora and are also highly prized ornamental plants.
Platycerium holtumii
One of the large species from Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Platycerium holttumii is morphologically very similar to P. wandae, one of the most distinctive characteristics is the lack of frills around the shoot base, which are strongly pronounced in Platycerium wandae. P. wandae also forms kidney-shaped, roundish shield fronds with a large crown. The fertile fronds are multiply lobed and bear the spore patches. In a fertile frond, the main lobe oriented towards the middle hangs down, while the shorter lateral lobe grows stiffly to the side.
Platycerium ridley
One of the most exciting Staghorns of the genus Platycerium. The fertile fronds grow upwards and are very compact, looking like the antlers of deer, from which the German and English trivial name is derived.P. ridley does not form pups and is one of the few members of the genus that forms specialized spore caps rather than spore patches on the underside of fertile fronds like most other species.The shield fronds are rounded and show distinct, raised veins that give the plant a furrowed appearance.Even in the natural range of Malaysia and Indonesia, the species often grows on branches rather than just laterally on tree trunks, even litophytically.These characteristics provide great freedom in positioning when mounting Platycerium ridleyi.
Platycerium wandae
Staghorn fern species from Papua New Guinea. Platycerium wandae forms a mighty crown from the shield fronds and counts as the very largest Platycerium species, even growing about 30% larger than Platycerium superbum. The fertile fronds are similar to those of P. holttumii double-lobed and are said to bear spores especially early in the development of the plant. Special attention is also given to the frills around the shoot center.
Platycerium madagascariense
A rare and sought-after species of the genus. In complete contrast to the mostly large representatives of the genus, Platycerium madagascariense remains very compact and small. It should be noted that P. madagascariense is found in the wet rainforests of Madagascar at 300-600 m, a moderate, humid climate should be suitable for cultivation. Ants have also already been found to inhabit the plants. The shield fronds of the species have very prominent, distinct veins, which adds to the aesthetics. The fertile fern fronds are forked and very broad.