There are 3 species of staghorn ferns in Peninsular Malaysia. They are identified by :
Species | Habitat |
---|---|
Platycerium coronarium | Old trees in lowlands or the highest tree in ancient forest in Central Peninsular - up north |
Platycerium ridleyi |
Trees beside river, sometimes on low branches, but never in open. Found in Southern Peninsular |
Platycerium wallichi |
Near the sea and open area in Northern Peninsular |
The species Platycerium wallichi are native to more northern region of Peninsular Malaysia and this rare plant can be found on Penang island.
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Scientific name:
Platecerium wallichi
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Characteristics:
Nest leaves- are 60 cm or more , as wide and long,
erected and much lobed. Sinuses are about half way to the base.
Fertile leaves - produced in pairs, about 60 cm long. The lamina extending down to the broadly cuneate base. Rarely longer than nest leaves. Fertile lobe - Not as a separate structure. Sporangia are found on the lower surfaces [Very prominent as convex rounded lobes] of first 2 sinuses of leaf fronds. |
For those who wish to have a look at this rare species of staghorn fern, it can be found in the Botanical Gardens of Penang.