Fauna
Plant

Mountain Tree Fern

Alsophila crinita

Also 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
Mountain Tree Fern reference
Z thomas / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Herbivorous Insects
  • Snails
ThreatsHabitat clearing, agricultural conversion, climate change
HabitatsMontane cloud forests, high-elevation stream valleys
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCyatheaceae
  2. SpeciesAlsophila crinita
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.
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.
Related species
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