Lecanopteris crustacea
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Product information "Lecanopteris crustacea"
Lecanopteris crustacea
Lecanopteris crustacea (L.) C.Presl is an epiphytic fern of the family Polypodiaceae distributed throughout the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and New Guinea. It is one of the best-known ant ferns. Ants inhabit the internal chambers of the swollen rhizome, where they establish their nests and accumulate organic debris that serves as an additional nutrient source for the plant.
The species is characterized by its thick, tuberous, irregularly branched rhizome containing numerous internal chambers connected to the exterior by small entrance openings. The rhizome is densely covered with dark brown scales and produces numerous adhesive roots. The large fronds are deeply pinnatifid, with narrow linear-lanceolate pinnae and a prominent midrib. The lower surface of the fertile fronds bears numerous round sori arranged in regular rows on either side of the midrib.