Ceratopteris pteridoides

Description

Ceratopteris pteridoides, also known as floating antlerfern, is native to subtropical and tropical regions of North America, including Florida and Louisiana, and has also been found in Vietnam. This plant only grows when floating on water or as a bog plant on muddy ground, not submerged. Its form and size vary depending on the location's conditions. Young plants have entire leaves, while older, larger ones have broad lobes with a triangular outline. Older leaves may produce young plants from bulblets in the deep crevices of the lobes. The leaf stalks are thick and widen towards the blade, composed of spongy tissue serving as buoys. Leaf lobes are mostly opposite, unlike other species. Spore-carrying fronds have up to four pinnae, grow upright, and are segmented.