Platycerium superbum

This very large fern originates from eastern Australia, where it grows as an epiphyte on larger trees. It produces two different types of leaves. First, there are the normal fronds, which in older plants bear spores; second, there are the so-called "mantle fronds." The fronds of *P. superbum* are forked multiple times and covered with hairs that protect them from drying out. They can reach almost 2 meters in length. The mantle fronds are also hairy and cling to the substrate, protecting the rhizome and roots. Older mantle fronds die and turn brown, but remain attached to the fern. In this species, the mantle fronds form an upward-facing funnel in which leaves and detritus collect. This leaf matter is decomposed by microorganisms into compost, which serves as food for the fern.

This staghorn fern can grow very large over time, reaching a diameter of over 2.5 meters. P. superbum is one of the largest species of all staghorn ferns.

It grows best when tied up or attached laterally to a substrate, such as cork. There it can develop the shape it also acquires in nature.