Asplenium nidus

9.9

A fern with large, round leaves that grows on trees in tropical places

noun

Australian

: Asplenium nidus

In botanical gardens, the Asplenium nidus is often grown attached to tree trunks to mimic its natural habitat.

Examples

The Asplenium nidus is prized by gardeners for its ability to thrive as a houseplant.
Birds sometimes nest in the broad leaves of the Asplenium nidus high up in the rainforest.
The Asplenium nidus thrives in humid environments.
Have you seen an Asplenium nidus growing in the wild?
In botanical gardens, the Asplenium nidus is often grown attached to tree trunks to mimic its natural habitat.
Birds sometimes nest in the broad leaves of the Asplenium nidus high up in the rainforest.
The Asplenium nidus is prized by gardeners for its ability to thrive as a houseplant.

Synonyms

bird's nest fern

vsAsplenium nidus

Specialized

8.8

A tropical fern with long curved leaves that form a round nest in tree forks

is the scientific name for the same species used in formal contexts

Surface Forms

Asplenium nidus singular

Morphology

Asplenium + nidus

Both constituents are literal: 'Asplenium' denotes a fern genus and 'nidus' means 'nest' or protected place, so a learner who knows those words can infer this refers to a nest-forming or tufted fern. The Latin binomial naming convention normally uses descriptive epithets, making the overall meaning compositional rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Asplenium nidus includes the Latin word nidus, which means 'nest'. Its large, round leaves form a bowl or nest on tree trunks where soil collects and birds sometimes sit, so the name describes the fern's nest-like habit.