Plant
Star Cloak Fern
Notholaena standleyiAlso known as Standley's Cloak Fern, Star Cloakfern
Star cloak ferns are resilient xeromorphic plants adapted to dry, rocky crevices throughout the North American deserts. Their distinctive pentagonal fronds bear a bright yellow farinaceous powder on the underside that reduces moisture loss and reflects intense sunlight. During extended dry spells, the leaves curl inward into tight protective balls, unrolling rapidly following seasonal rain.
XerophyticDesert FernPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Snails
- Insect Larvae
ThreatsHabitat trampling, severe long-term drought
HabitatsRocky slopes, canyon walls, granite outcrops, desert scrub
Life spanPerennial (decades via underground rhizome)
Classification
- FamilyPteridaceae
- SpeciesNotholaena standleyi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for distinct five-pointed star-shaped leaf blades nestled in rock crevices.
- Photography: Examine the leaf underside to capture the vibrant yellow farina coating.
- Ecology: Notice how brittle-looking curled leaves revive quickly after rain.
Co-occurring Fern (c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Timothy McNitt · cc-by
Co-occurring Fern no rights reserved, uploaded by Irene · cc0
Close Relative (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Steve Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Taylor · cc-by
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