Vogelnestfarn im Masoala Regenwald des Zoo Zürich

Bird's-nest fern

Asplenium nidus

The bird's-nest fern gets its name from the funnel-shaped arrangement of its leaves, which form a sort of nest at the base.

However, this nest is generally quite wet, as water and humus accumulate in the funnel. This is a phenomenon that is also commonly observed in other epiphytes. Roots grow into this funnel so that the fern can utilize the nutrients and water found there. Its leaves grow up to one meter long.

Distribution

East Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia

Number of related species

A related species grows in the rainforests of South and Central America.

Distribution

East Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, and Polynesia

Number of related species

A related species grows in the rainforests of South and Central America.

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