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Asplenium nidus
L.
Bird's Nest Fern
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium nidus is a species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae. It has a paleotropical distribution, and is cultivated as an ornamental. Asplenium nidus is part of a species complex, and the taxonomy of the genus as a whole is in need of a revision (Wu et al. 2013).
Description
Asplenium nidus is often an epiphyte, growing up to 1 to 1.2 m tall. Rhizomes are covered with dark brown or purple-brown, triangular scales. Fronds are clustered in a rosette, and are reminiscent of a bird's nest, hence the name. Stipes are up to 5 cm long, woody, and scaly at the base. Fronds are simply, lanceolate, 90 to 120 cm wide and 9 to 15 cm wide. They have smooth or wavy margins. The midrib is raised on the upper side only, slightly hairy, pale grayish-brown. Veins are simple, running from the midrib to the margins. Sori are linear and parallel to the veins, on the underside of the fronds. They are 3 to 5 cm long, located closer to the tip of the fronds, and about half the length of the individual veins (Wu et al. 2013).
Asplenium nidus is similar to Asplenium australasicum, but that species' midrib is dark brown and raised on the underside. Asplenium setoi, a species from Japan and possibly Taiwan, is also similar (Wu et al. 2013).
Asplenium nidus is similar to Asplenium australasicum, but that species' midrib is dark brown and raised on the underside. Asplenium setoi, a species from Japan and possibly Taiwan, is also similar (Wu et al. 2013).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Asplenium nidus is used in traditional medicine. In Malaysia, concoctions made from it are used to treat weakness, among other conditions (Koh et al. 2009). It is grown as a houseplant or an ornamental, preferring filtered light or moist but well-drained soils; outside it is hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11 (MBG).
Distribution
Asplenium nidus can be found on tree trunks or rocks in rainforests at altitudes of 100 to 1900 m. It is native to tropical eastern Africa, South Asia to East Asia, Australasia, and Polynesia (Wu et al. 2019).
Status
References
Koh, H. L., Chua, T. K., and Tan, C. H. 2009. A Guide to Medicinal Plants: an Illustrated Scientific and Medicinal Approach. Singapore: World Scientific.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Asplenium nidus. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285707&isprofile=0&
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Asplenium nidus. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285707&isprofile=0&
Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae). Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Description
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