Pyrrosia Piloselloides aka Dragon’s Scale Fern

Pyrrosia Piloselloides also known as Dragon’s Scale Fern is a fern. The fronds of this fern are fleshy, roundish and ovalish in shape, and have a smooth surface. They cling tightly to hard surfaces, or the trunk and branches of the host, making them look like Dragon’s scale, hence the name Dragon’s scale fern. Under the right conditions it will grow to eventually cover any hard surface items, or trees that it successfully attaches to. Fertile fronds have a stalk and are elongated. They are markedly different being very narrow and elongated.

Some websites classified Pyrroisia Piloselloides a parasitic plant while some maintained that they are epiphytic. Another website reported that “Pyrrosia piloselloides has a commensal relationship with its host tree where Pyrrosia piloselloides benefits by having a rooting site without harming the host tree. However, too much growth could lead to smothering of the host tree or create favorable conditions for fungal growth on the host tree." I guess they are epiphytic to begin with, but become parasitic after a while.

Apparently, this plant has medicinal value. The fronds are pounded and mixed with gypsum to make a poultice for skin rashes.

Pyrrosia Piloselloides smothering the host tree.

You can click on the picture for a better view.

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