The staghorn fern is an epiphyte. It produces two different types of leaves. The fronds are green and produce the spores. The brown sheath leaves are sessile and die off once they have fully developed. The plants continually produce new sheaths, so that over time many layers of sheaths build up, protecting the plants from drying out. Dead sheath leaves gradually decompose. This substrate acts as a store of nutrients and water and provides protection against dehydration.
Staghorn ferns grow in the forks of the branches of the primeval forest giants at heights of over 30 metres. Because of their decorative appearance, some species are cultivated.
Distribution
several species in tropical Africa, Asia and Australia
