Staghorn Fern

At the base of the staghorn fern there are round pads and then the frond part that sticks out.  Picture above is where the two parts meet.  My husband walked by and said it looked Egyptian. I was going to say architectural, in either case it is rather striking for a plant form.  

Bird's Nest Fern

Life unfurling has always intrigued me.  I found some tree ferns to take a picture of on my last trip.  Makes one think of stretching out the arms.  

Bird's Nest Fern

The bird's nest fern in Balboa Park in San Diego was huge, outside fronds were about 5 feet tall. but for me it is the inner unfurling at the center that is interesting to watch. 

Staghorn Fern

The Staghorn Ferns in Balboa Park at the botanic garden area and in the San Diego Zoo were huge.  3 and 4 times the size of the one I am growing.  Thought I would do a series on them.  The one above is from my plant.  I liked the square pattern in this Mandala that formed in the middle from one of the outward growing fronds, the water droplets are on one of the base fronds.