Musk Fern

Musk fern is a tropical, creeping fern with long, fleshy rhizomes and pale-green, deeply divided fronds. It grows on the ground or rocks and can also attach to trees, where its spreading growth fills space over time. ## Identification Kew accepts *Microsorum grossum* and lists *Phymatosorus grossus* as a synonym; the Royal Horticultural Society also records that synonym. The Smithsonian’s Hawaiian flora account describes strap-shaped lobes and notes that the common name lauaʻe is shared with other ferns, so the botanical name is the clearest identifier. The fern’s tropical range and epiphytic as well as terrestrial habit are documented by [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17543250-1) and the [Smithsonian Flora of the Hawaiian Islands](https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/botany/hawaiianflora/speciesdescr.cfm?genus=Microsorum&species=grossum). ## Growing Conditions In tropical or subtropical gardens, grow it in the ground or a container in full sun or part shade. Provide a well-drained medium; established plants tolerate dry conditions, although regular moisture supports fresh frond growth. Its long-creeping rhizomes suit groundcover use where there is room to spread. The [Australian Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes profile](https://apps.lucidcentral.org/ferns/text/entities/microsorum_grossum.htm) describes its cultivation in full sun or part shade and its tolerance of dry conditions. ## Maintenance Remove old or damaged fronds as needed. Divide or lift the creeping rhizomes when you want to limit the patch or grow the fern elsewhere.