Plant
Elephant Fern
Angiopteris evectaAlso known as King Fern, Giant Fern, Oriental Vessel Fern, Mule's Foot Fern
Boasting an evolutionary heritage stretching back over 300 million years, this primitive giant produces the longest fronds of any land fern. Swollen fleshy leaf bases anchor massive green fronds that arch dramatically over damp rainforest floors and shaded river ravines. The fleshy, trunk-like rootstock stores immense reserves of water and nutrients, enabling it to thrive under dense forest canopies.
GiantAncientRainforest
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Insects
- Herbivorous mammals
ThreatsHabitat clearing, climate change, localized over-collection
HabitatsTropical rainforests, shaded ravines, stream banks
Life span100+ years
Classification
- OrderMarattiales
- FamilyMarattiaceae
- GenusAngiopteris
- SpeciesAngiopteris evecta
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
- Observation: Examine the distinctive swollen leaf bases that resemble horse hooves where fronds attach.
- Photography: Use a wide-angle lens from low angles to capture the towering, arching canopy.
Frequent Companion (c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Greg Tasney · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion Obsidian Soul / CC0 · cc0
Close Relative (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux · cc-by
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