Platycerium bifurcatum

Platycerium bifurcatum, the elkhorn fern or staghorn fern, is a species of fern native to Java, New Guinea and southeastern 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.

Contents

• How to mount a staghorn fern platycerium bifurcatum
• The fern factory board mounting platycerium bifurcatum
• References

The specific epithet bifurcatum means bifurcated or forked, referring to the fertile fronds.

Platycerium bifurcatum is widely 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.