Features: The frond is fresh green, a broad and very long ribbon (50-150cm) with slightly wavy edges and a black central rib. The spores appear on the underside in fine lines. The fronds emerge in a rosette around a central stem which is usually not visible. Dead leaves collect in this 'nest' of fronds and are held firmly in place as new fronds emerge. Roots from the central stem grow into the dead leaves, further consolidating the decaying leaves into a huge spongy mass. This mass soaks up rainwater, while the ongoing decay releases nutrients. Thus the fern is self-sufficient in food and water even though it lives high up from the ground. As the older fronds die, they droop downwards forming a skirt of dry fronds under the younger, green fronds.
