Plant · GBIF taxon 5529636
Mountain Tree Fern
Alsophila crinitaAlso known as Scaly Tree Fern, Golden Tree Fern
Mountain tree ferns dominate the mist-shrouded canopy of high-elevation cloud forests in India and Sri Lanka. Dense, shaggy scales cover the base of their massive arching fronds, shielding young croziers from cool mountain winds and damp chill. Destruction of montane rainforests has severely restricted their remaining wild range, making intact forest sanctuaries critical to their survival.
FernMontane
Licensed referenceZ thomas / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Herbivorous Insects
- Snails
ThreatsHabitat clearing, agricultural conversion, climate change
HabitatsMontane cloud forests, high-elevation stream valleys
Life span50–100 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCyatheaceae
- SpeciesAlsophila crinita
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.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its tall woody trunk topped with huge arching fronds clothed in shaggy scales.
- Support conservation
- Avoid touching unfurling croziers and step carefully to protect soil around the fibrous roots.
Responsible observation
- Sanctuary Etiquette: Stick strictly to designated trails in cloud forest reserves to prevent root erosion.
- Identification Cues: Note the dense golden-brown scales lining the upper stalks of expanding fronds.
Close Relative Close Relative Family Member
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