Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Polypodiaceae

Genus:

Elaphoglossum

Species:

Elaphoglossum heteromorphum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

25 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Garden & Ecology Notes

Minimum Light:

Shade

Best Light:

Part Shade, Shade

Habitat:

Cloud forest, Montane, Epiphytic

Ecology:

A high-elevation Andean epiphyte (sometimes lithophyte) occurring in humid montane cloud forests and paramo borders, growing on moss-covered tree trunks, branches, and damp rock surfaces.

Soil Requirements

Soil:

humus-rich

pH:

acidic

Drainage:

moist

Moisture:

moist

Notes:

Grows primarily as an epiphyte on mossy tree trunks or as a lithophyte rooted in organic bryophyte mats and humus accumulations over wet rocks.