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wild birdnest fern
Scientific Name: Asplenium serratum
Family: Aspleniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: FL (bird's nest spleenwort, wild birdnest fern)
Bird's-Nest Fern: A Wild Beauty
The term "Bird's-nest fern" refers to several species of epiphytic ferns. This article primarily discusses Asplenium serratum, also known as the Bird's nest spleenwort and Wild birdnest fern.
Common Names
- Bird's-nest fern
- Wild birdnest fern
- Bird's nest spleenwort
- Crow's-nest fern
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asplenium serratum
- Family: Aspleniaceae (Bird nest fern Family)
- Group: Fern
- Class: Polypodiopsida – leptosporangiate ferns
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Symbol: ASSE9
- Genus: Asplenium
Distribution and Habitat
- Asplenium serratum is native to Brazil, the Caribbean, and the United States. It is found in South Florida in hammocks and swamps and somewhat dry (usually seasonally) to very wet areas and swamps.
- These ferns are also found growing wild in Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan.
Ecological Role
- Bird's-nest ferns are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, such as trees, without harming them. They are not parasitic and do not take water or nutrients from their host.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bird's-nest ferns are epiphytic or terrestrial herbaceous ferns.
- The fronds of Asplenium nidus (another species of Bird's Nest Fern) can grow up to in length.
Quirky Facts
- Historically, bird's nest fern was harvested from the wild for use in cuisine, leading to high prices due to limited availability.
- The fronds of some varieties, like the Crested Japanese Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Antiquum Leslie), have wild, wavy edges that make a "crispy" noise when touched.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- In their natural habitat, bird's-nest ferns often grow on tree trunks, fallen branches, or even bromeliad plants.
- Red Junglefowl have been observed building nests in Bird Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus).
Further Information
- RHS: Find help & information on Asplenium nidus bird's nest fern from the RHS.
- Discover Life: Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Asplenium serratum - Wild birdnest fern.
- HousePlant411.com: Check out the HousePlant411.com plant care guide and learn how to water, feed, propagate, identify, and care for a Bird's Nest Fern.