Plant · GBIF taxon 7408824
Staghorn Fern
Platycerium angolenseAlso known as Elephant Ear Fern, Angolan Staghorn Fern
Angolan staghorn ferns are striking tropical epiphytes distinguished by massive, unlobed upper fronds that resemble elephant ears rather than the branched antlers typical of related ferns. Broad, rounded shield fronds at the base grip host tree bark and trap falling leaves, creating a nutrient-rich compost pocket that nourishes the root system high in the forest canopy. Native to central and eastern Africa, these ferns form dramatic suspended gardens in moist woodlands and gallery forests.
EpiphyteTropicalFern
Licensed referenceGiles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic (absorbs moisture and organic debris)
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Scale insects
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation and wild collection for cultivation
HabitatsTropical rainforests, gallery forests, moist woodland canopies
Life span20–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPolypodiaceae
- SpeciesPlatycerium angolense
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
- Mounting: Attach to wooden slabs or bark plaques using sphagnum moss to mimic canopy life.
- Watering: Soak the root mass thoroughly and allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
- Lighting: Provide bright, filtered sunlight while shielding from direct midday heat.
Ecological Counterpart (c) Wendy Cutler, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableEcological Counterpart 
Close Relative (c) Leon Perrie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Leon Perrie · cc-by
Close Relative Ernst Haeckel / Public domain · cc0
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