Microsorum punctatum Fern eMalangeni Forest

Microsorum punctatum Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern

The majestic epiphytic fern Microsorum punctatum is found growing as an epiphyte on many of the tall mature trees in the eMalangeni Forest where it is probably the most noticed and numerous epiphyte growing in the forest. Microsorum punctatum adds structure to the forest and gives it a lush tropical appearance.

The majestic fern Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest in the Kosi Bay Complex north east South Africa

 

Description

Microsorum punctatum has a short, creeping rhizome up to 4 mm in diameter and is covered with a thick felt of roots. The fronds are short-stalked and up to 10 mm apart. The narrowly elliptic lamina is simple, and up to 1500 x 110 mm. It has a thin leathery texture and is minutely pitted. The sori are about 1 mm in diameter and are irregularly scattered on the under surface of the lamina. The specific name punctatum refers to the minutely pitted or dotted nature of the lamina.

A close up view of the root mat developed by the majestic fern Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest 

Distribution

Microsorum punctatum is widespread in the temperate and tropical parts of the Old World, occurring from the Pacific islands, Malesia, tropical Asia and southern China to India, Madagascar and Africa. In Africa it occurs from West Africa through central to tropical East Africa to the east coast of South Africa as far south as Port St Johns. Microsorum punctatum is a predominantly low-altitude species occurring from near sea level to 1 500 m.

Habitat

In South Africa Microsorum punctatum occurs mostly in hot and humid swamp and coastal forests, ranging from near sea level to approximately 750 m. The region experiences a seasonal rainfall of more than 1 000 mm per annum. Microsorum punctatum grows mostly as an epiphyte on trees, often high above the ground in evergreen forests, mostly in deep shade. They rarely occur on the ground and when on the ground usually as a lithophyte.

Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest 

Cultivation.

Microsorum punctatum is one of the easiest ferns to grow, which is grown extensively in many countries as a pot plant and garden plant where it is known as Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern with many exotic looking horticultural cultivars having been produced.

Microsorum punctatum seedlings growing indoors

Microsorum punctatum is ideal for cultivation both indoors as well as in the garden provided that it is planted in deep shade, never exposed to direct sunlight and kept moist at all times. When they receive too much sunlight, they turn yellow and develop burnt sections on the fronds. When grown indoors increased humidity is beneficial. The species is best cultivated in a well-drained humus-rich medium kept moist at all times. A good well drained growing medium can be made out of equal parts of coarse composted bark, charcoal and chopped coconut husk.

Traditional uses

A tea is made Microsorum punctatum and taken for coughing fits. The leaf sap has also been reported to be used as an enema.

Extracts from the leaves have demonstrated anti-bacterial activity.

Guided excursions

Guided excursions in English, Zulu and German into the eMalangeni Forest and surrounding area including the nearby Tembe Elephant Park can be arranged. Please visit my websites for contact details.

Michael Hickman

02.04.21

please visit my websites at 

www.ecoman.co.za 

www.hlem.co.za 

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/ 

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

http://ecoman.co.za/projects/emalangeni.html

https://www.hlem.co.za/emalangeni.html