Mangrove Fern

The Mangrove Fern (Acrostichum spp.) is a massive, highly resilient fern that can be found in Singapore's coastal areas and mangrove swamps. The two most common local species are the Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum) and the sharply pointed but smaller Acrostichum speciosum.

Identifying features

Check out some identifying features of the Mangrove Fern!

The Mangrove Fern is notable for its sheer size, featuring tough, leathery, upright fronds that can easily grow over 2 meters tall. It has a thick, clustering base that rises directly out of the coastal mud. At the very top of the plant, it possesses fertile fronds where the entire underside of the upper leaflets is completely coated in a thick, rusty-brown layer of spores.

Habitat and ecology

Unlike almost all other ferns, they have adapted to survive in harsh, highly saline, and waterlogged muddy environments. They tolerate brackish water and often form dense, towering thickets in the landward, drier zones of the mangrove forest where tidal flooding is less frequent. They can also be found growing on mud lobster mounds and provide safe nesting locations for birds, such as herons.

Did you know?

While they are a natural part of the ecosystem, Mangrove Ferns are so aggressive and successful that they can actually halt forest regeneration! If a mangrove forest is cleared, these ferns quickly take over the exposed mud, creating a root barrier so thick that new mangrove tree seeds cannot reach the ground to take root.

Learn more about the Mangrove Fern!

Curious about the Mangrove Fern? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.

Flora and Fauna Web - Mangrove Fern

Biodiversity of Singapore - Mangrove Fern