Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav.) C.Chr.

Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an epiphytic fern up to 1 meter long of the Polypodiaceae family, native to Java, growing naturally in tropical rainforests and now distributed nearly worldwide except snowy and desert regions. Its leaf shape resembling deer antlers makes it a favorite ornamental attached to yard trees. Traditionally, this plant is also believed to support fertility and reduce postpartum fever.

Grows well in tropical (rainforest) and dry-climate regions in open locations. Epiphytic on large trees from lowlands up to an elevation of 2,000 m above sea level. Favors shade up to 60% of full sunlight, relatively high air humidity (> 70%), not tolerant of ambient temperatures below 10 °C.

• Roots fibrous, hairy, and yellowish-brown.
• Stem a soft rhizome that is nonetheless difficult to cut. 
• Fronds that hang down can branch repeatedly and can reach 1 m or more in length, depending on the species.
• Spores are found in sporangia protected by sori that grow clustered on the underside of fertile fronds, causing brown spots on the leaf.

• Propagated generatively by spores, also vegetatively by offshoots or in vitro using the plant's meristematic tissue (United States).
• Attach directly to a growing medium made of fern root.
• Place in a not-too-hot, shaded location.
• Once new roots or new shoot growth appear, it can be replanted. 

Saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic compounds (myricetin, sinapic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid).

Supports fertility; treats goiter/salivary gland swelling; treats external uterine inflammation; reduces fever in postpartum women; addresses irregular menstruation.

Not yet available 

Simbar agung (Kalimantan), Paku uncal (Sunda).