Dragon Scales
About the Dragon Scales in Singapore
Last updated 31 May 2026
Dragon Scales (Pyrrosia piloselloides) is an incredibly common, creeping epiphytic fern. You can find these hardy residents blanketing the trunks and branches of both forest giants and urban street trees all across Singapore.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of Dragon Scales!
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Dragon Scales feature thick, fleshy, perfectly round or oval fronds that cling tightly and overlap against the bark. They possess distinctly different strap-like "fertile fronds," which are much longer, narrower, and stick outwards away from the trunk to catch the wind. Additionally, a long, creeping, wiry stem, or rhizome, connects all the individual fronds together along the bark.
Habitat and ecology
As epiphytes, they use trees purely for physical support and do not harm the host. They are also incredibly drought-tolerant! During hot, dry spells, the fleshy round fronds will shrivel up and curl inwards to conserve water, instantly plumping back up into vibrant green scales the moment the rain returns.
Did you know?
If you look closely at the underside of the fronds or the creeping stem, you will notice they are covered in tiny, star-shaped hairs. These specialized hairs trap a microscopic layer of air against the plant, helping to drastically reduce water loss in the harsh tropical sun!
Learn more about Dragon Scales!
Curious about Dragon Scales? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
