Kangaroo Paw Fern Identification Guide
Identify the Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) by its glossy, variably lobed leathery fronds and creeping furry rhizomes. Includes look-alike comparisons.
Read the full Kangaroo Paw Fern encyclopedia entry →
Key Identifying Features
The Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium, syn. Microsorum pustulatum) is an Australasian epiphytic fern recognized by its glossy, leathery fronds that vary in shape, some simple and tongue-like, others deeply lobed into paw-like segments resembling a kangaroo's foot.
- Thick, glossy, leathery fronds
- Variable frond shapes on one plant (simple to lobed)
- Paw-shaped lobed fronds giving the name
- Creeping, fuzzy rhizomes along the surface
Leaves & Stems
The species epithet diversifolium means "diverse leaves," and indeed fronds range from undivided, strap-like blades to ones cut into several rounded lobes that look like a kangaroo's paw. Fronds are dark green, shiny, and tough, 6-18 inches long. The plant spreads by a creeping rhizome covered in soft brown scales that travels over soil, bark, or pot rims, sending up fronds at intervals. There is no woody stem; growth radiates from the rhizome.
Flowers & Fruit
Being a fern, it has no flowers or seeds. It reproduces via spores in round sori scattered on the undersides of fronds. The plant is grown for its handsome, easy-care foliage and spreading habit.
How to Tell It Apart from Look-Alikes
- Bird's Nest Fern has undivided strap fronds in a tight rosette and no creeping rhizome.
- Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium) has blue-green deeply lobed fronds and a golden rhizome; Kangaroo Paw fronds are glossy green and irregularly lobed.
- Rabbit's Foot Fern (Davallia) has lacy, finely divided fronds, very different from the bold leathery paw shapes.
The glossy leathery fronds of varied shape (including paw lobes) on a creeping scaly rhizome is diagnostic.
Where You'll Find It
Native to Australia and New Zealand, it grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte on trees and rocks in forests. As a houseplant it tolerates medium to bright indirect light and is grown in pots or baskets, valued for being more forgiving than many ferns. Keep the rhizome on the surface.
Quick ID Checklist
- Glossy, leathery fronds
- Variable shapes (some simple, some paw-lobed)
- Creeping fuzzy rhizome on the surface
- Round sori under fronds (no flowers)
- Spreading, mat-forming growth
Glossy paw-shaped fronds of mixed forms on a creeping rhizome identify the Kangaroo Paw Fern.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the fronds have different shapes on the same plant?
The species naturally produces diverse fronds, from simple strap shapes to lobed paw-like ones. This variability is a key identification feature and is reflected in its name, diversifolium.
What is the furry thing creeping over the soil?
That is the rhizome, a creeping stem covered in soft brown scales. It should rest on the soil surface and is normal, not a pest.
Does the Kangaroo Paw Fern flower?
No. As a fern it reproduces by spores held in round sori on the undersides of the fronds, not by flowers.
How is it different from Blue Star Fern?
Blue Star Fern has blue-green fronds and a golden rhizome. Kangaroo Paw Fern has glossy green, irregularly lobed fronds and a brown scaly rhizome.