Asplenium nidus

Asplenium nidus L.

Common Names: Nest Fern, Bird's Nest Fern

Family: Aspleniaceae

Habit: Asplenium nidus grows from a short rhizome as an epiphyte or terrestrially.  Glabrous subsessile fronds numerous from the rhizome appearing top form a rosette. Each frond linear/lanceolate, up to 150 cm in length and 20 cm wide, with an entire margin and acute apex. The frond can be undulate.

The sori are arranged in linear rows at the distal/apical 2/3rd to ¾ of the frond along the abaxial surface.  There is no indusium.

Habitat: Asplenium nidus grows in Human Altered environments (gardens, yards)

Distribution: Asplenium nidus is not native Lucayan Archipelago but is grown in the northern island groupings.  It is native to tropical Africa and Asia as well as Australia.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Asplenium nidus is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago.

Asplenium nidus is grown as an ornamental species as a house plant or in gardens.