Platycerium bifurcatum

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Platycerium bifurcatum
Elkhorn fern.jpg
P. bifurcatum, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta
Class: Pteridopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Platycerium
Species: P. bifurcatum
Binomial name
Platycerium bifurcatum
(Cav.) C.Chr.

Platycerium bifurcatum (elkhorn fern or staghorn fern) is a species of fern native to Java, New Guinea and southeastern Australia, in New South Wales, Queensland and on Lord Howe Island. It is a bracket epiphyte occurring in and near rainforests. Growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall by 80 cm (31 in) broad, it has heart-shaped sterile fronds 12–45 cm (5–18 in) long, and arching grey-green fertile fronds which are forked and strap-shaped, and grow up to 90 cm (35 in) long.[1]

The specific epithet bifurcatum means bifurcated or forked, referring to the fertile fronds.[2]

Platycerium bifurcatum is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens. With a minimum temperature requirement of 5 °C (41 °F), in temperate regions it may be grown outdoors in sheltered locations, otherwise as a houseplant.[1] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]


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  3. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Platycerium bifurcatum". Retrieved 27 May 2013.