Fauna
Plant

Peacock's Tail Fern

Actiniopteris radiata

Also known as Fan Fern, Radiate Fan Fern

Peacock's Tail Fern features striking, palm-like fronds radiating out in neat fan shapes that resemble tiny peacock tails. Highly adapted to arid environments, this resurrection fern tightly curls its fronds during prolonged droughts and swiftly revives upon the arrival of rain. It thrives in exposed rock crevices across hot, rocky hillsides from Africa to South Asia.

FernDrought TolerantRock Dweller
Peacock's Tail Fern reference1 / 7
(c) Siddarth Machado, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Herbivorous insects
  • Grazing goats
ThreatsHabitat degradation, localized over-harvesting for traditional medicine
HabitatsRocky crevices, dry stony hillsides, arid scrublands
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. FamilyPteridaceae
  2. SpeciesActiniopteris radiata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Habitat Check: Search along exposed rock faces and dry stone walls where soil is sparse.
  • Observe Hydration States: Watch how the fronds roll inward during dry spells to conserve moisture.
Related species
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