Mickelopteris cordata (heart fern)

The heart fern ( Mickelopteris cordata ) is often also listed under the name Hemionitis arifolia , which, however, is a synonym of Acrostichum aureum . The taxonomy of this species is a complete mess, and after this problem was recognized in recent years, the fern has, for the first time since its description, borne its own undisputed name since 2020, which we would like to promote and disseminate here. The taxonomic history can be found on the English Wikipedia: Mickelopteris cordata on Wikipedia

This exceptionally attractive fern is distinguished by its heart-shaped fronds, which are covered with numerous dark hairs. The fronds are borne on long, blackish-brown petioles. It is also dimorphic (having two forms) and, once it reaches a certain size, develops sporophylls for spore production in addition to its trophophylls for photosynthesis. These sporophylls are characterized, among other things, by their significantly longer petioles. In its preferred habitats in Southeast Asia, it grows both epiphytically and terrestrially in loose substrate accumulations.