Plantlet Production of the Philippine Giant Staghorn Fern [Platycerium Grande (Fee) C. Presl] Through Spore Culture

Abstract

Platycerium grande (Fee) C. Presl, commonly known as the giant staghorn fern, is a highly prized ornamental fern, which is endemic in Mindanao, Philippines and considered to be one of the endangered plants of this country. Its spores rarely germinate under natural conditions. This study is aimed to determine the appropriate culture medium and conditions for spore germination, gametophyte and sporophyte (plantlet) development of P. grande; to find out the optimum potting medium and conditions for acclimatization of the plantlets; and for mass propagation of the plantlets. The spores of P. grande germinated nineteen days after sowing, in agar culture medium supplemented with nutrients. The gametophytes were formed after 21–30 days in culture. Plantlets emerged from the prothalli and later were successfully grown in potting medium consisting of chopped adventitious roots of Cyathea and compost. Thus, mass propagation of Platycerium grande through spore culture is one way of conserving and propagating this endangered and ornamental plant of the Philippines.