This large clump forming fern has a creeping fleshy rhizome and tolerates salt-water inundation. The large dark green fronds are thick and leathery with lanced-shaped pinnae. The spores are produced in mass on the underside of the pinnae (leaflet) in summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Acrostichum speciosum is naturally found on the northern-east coast of Australia growing along watercourses in situations where it may be subject to periodic salt-water inundation. 

It prefers a semi-shaded protected position and grows in a well-drained to damp fertile loams and needs wind, frost and drought protection.  

The Mangrove Fern is a hardy aquatic fern that is planted in shaded moist garden beds or rockeries and around water features. It is also grown as a potted specimen in a fernery or planted in the understory of tropical gardens. It establishes from division in 1 to 2 years and forms a large clump. ID 1282

Acrostichum (ak-ro-STYK-um) / (a-KRAHST-i-kum) speciosum (sp-ee-see-o-sum)

Pteridaceae (TE-ri-de-AY-see-ee)
(Adiantaceae)