Rare Plants  of PENANG

There are 3 species of staghorn ferns in Peninsular Malaysia. They are identified by :

  1. the manner the fertile fronds carry the spores
  2. the variations in the measurement and profile of the fronds.

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.

Scientific name:
Platecerium wallichi
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.