Platycerium hillii – Staghorn Fern – 20 Spore Pack

Platycerium is a genus of about 18 fern species in the polypod family, Polypodiaceae. Ferns in this genus are widely known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds. This genus is epiphytic and is native to tropical and temperate areas of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea. Platycerium hillii is native to Queensland, Australia. Typically the shield fronds are roundish or kidney shaped. The shields grow close together, tightly pressed, into layers of old fronds. Top edge is wavy or shallow lobed. The shield fronds grow in the autumn and winter months. Because the shield frond grows close to its mounting, getting water to the root ball can be challenging. Platycerium hillii collects water in the fertile fronds at night time from evening dew. Possibly this species normally grows in a wet region and the shield fronds limit the amount of water entering the root ball or rhizome preventing rot. The fertile fronds are erect with long wedge-shaped base and a broad top. May be dark green or light green in colour depending upon the amount of light, with vertical pronounced veins. The tops are waxy with fuzzy hair on the underside. Spore patches form on the underside of tips. Handle with great care – Spores are finer than dust!