|
|
|
|
|
Here I'm trying to get at the "heart" of the matter. See the little "tit"
at center? There's a 'long frond' right behind it. This is the "bud" of the
Staghorn.. it's point of growth and circular movement. There really are
four elements to a Staghorn fern. There are the roots which devour wood,
the "long fronds", the "basal fronds" (large green area front), and then the
"bud". The bud is the point of growth; as it emerges it's 'shoulders' (basal fronds)
reach out to capture and enclose sources of food, and to protect roots.
The "bud" is the heart of the matter. It's protected with a furry essence, and
yet not protected enough. The "bud" is the point of vulnerability. It's said
that there are crustaceans in our yards (cousins of 'sowbugs' and 'pillbugs')
that will go for miles to nip on these buds.