It grows on trees (epiphytic) or rocks (lithophytic) and occasionally in the soil.
Large, elliptical shaped, leathery fronds rise from a central stem to form a deep, saucer shape. The diameter of the spreading fronds can reach 3 m, smaller in northern places. Fronds unroll and have a very prominent dark midrib and undulating margins.
Spores on the underside of the fronds in parallel rows.
A hardy and popular fern in cultivation, likes plenty of moisture, good drainage and plenty of organic material. Can withstand plenty of sun, likes some shade.
Propagate from spores or by division.
There are about 700 Asplenium species worldwide. Around 30 are native to Australia.
Asplenium… from Greek, a, without and spleen, referring to medicinal properties affecting the spleen.

PHOTO: Robert Whyte LOCATION: Junction of Fish and Enoggera Creek, Walton Bridge Reserve
Frond
If conditions prove unfavourable temporarily recovers quickly with the assistance of rain even though the leaves may look wilted, brown and beyond repair.
The nest shaped radiating fronds rainforest litter which rots and forms a growing medium for the root system.
The root system is small, considering the size of the fern, but it is dense and spongy and is covered with persistent brown root hairs.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Crow’s Nest in barrow, May Grimes’s garden

Photo: Robert Whyte
Rob and Nick rolling down Waterworks Rd

Photo: Robert Whyte
Successful planting
Note the hose — those were the days!

Anne Jones, Robert Whyte and Nick Houghton