Microsorum punctatum aka Fishtail Fern

Microsorum punctatum is a fern in the Polypodiaceae family. It stays green all year. The RHS calls it the climbing bird's nest fern. It comes from the Old World's tropics and subtropics. Its range spans Africa, India, southern China, and southeast Asia. It also reaches New Guinea and the Pacific. Plants vary in size and form across this wide range. One known name for the same species is Acrostichum punctatum.

The plant grows from a rhizome, a stem that creeps a short way. Roots grow close together and form a dense mat beneath the fronds. In time, the fern forms a large clump of leaves. The source gives a height of about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Frond lengths vary much more than this figure might suggest. They measure about 0.3–5.7 feet [0.1–1.75 metres] long. Their width ranges from 0.26–0.49 feet [0.08–0.15 metres]. These sizes show how much fronds vary. They do not state a range for garden height.

In the wild, this fern most often grows on trees. It also grows on rocks and sometimes in the ground. It lives in old forest and forest that has regrown. These forests may keep their leaves or shed them with the seasons. Plants grow in shade and in more exposed sites. They often grow by streams, though some live in drier spots. Records reach heights of about 7,200 feet [2,200 metres] above sea level. Kew places this fern in a wet tropical climate.

Growers use this fern for its looks and as a houseplant. Useful Tropical Plants says indoor plants can cope with much neglect. This suggests a plant that copes with lapses in care. It does not give a precise care plan. The sources give no set needs for water or light. They give no cold-hardiness rating or usual garden spread. Growers raise new plants from spores. The evidence gives no further steps for this task. The supplied text names no pests or diseases that cause problems.

In Guam, people use the leaves as decor for Novena rites. Local healers mix leaves and rhizomes with other things in remedies. These records show use in local healing, not proof that treatments work. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses. It also reports no known hazards. That report does not prove safety for people or pets.