Polypodiaceae

Plant Profile

Platycerium alcicorne

(plat-ih-SEER-ee-um ) (al-ci-corn-e)

Moose Antler

Subfamily Platycerioideae

Genus Platycerium

“”Alcicorne” means elk or moose antler.  P. alcicorne is very similar to P. bifurcatum.  There are two forms of the P. alcicorne; one from Africa and one from Madagascar and they are uniquely different.  Considered an easy-to-grow species with upright fertile fronds bending down on the tips.   Pups well. Semi-hardy to 32°F (4.4°C).

The East Africa variety are characteristically yellow-green, waxy with nearly no hair and the dead shield fronds turn rich brown when they die.

The Madagascar variety fertile fronds are characteristically wide dark green, with many hairs.  When grown in high light, the shield fronds grow folds in the upper half of the shield.

Normal dieing of shield fronds begins at the bud and advances toward the edges.  Narrow fertile fronds suggest a higher light environment is tolerated.  The shiny, waxy coating on the fertile fronds prevents water loss under high light.” – Halling

“The native range of this species is Kenya to S. Tropical Africa, W. Indian Ocean. It is an epiphyte and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.” – Kew

Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Réunion, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Origin Map from Kew Royal Botanic Gardens