bird's-nest fern

American  

[burdz-nest] / ˈbɜrdzˌnɛst /

noun

1. a tropical fern, Asplenium nidus, having fronds arranged in clumps resembling a bird's nest.

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Etymology

Origin of bird's-nest fern

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Another conspicuous fern is the bird's-nest fern with its large, massive fronds growing under shade on rocks and stems of trees.

From Project Gutenberg

From a ledge in which ferns and orchids grew in careless profusion—bird's-nest fern and polypodium and white-flowering orchid—the crystal might be reached by a little manoeuvring.

From Project Gutenberg

There were some superb plants of the glossy tropical-looking bird’s-nest fern, or Asplenium Nidus, which makes its home on the stems and branches of trees, and brightens the forest with its great shining fronds. 

From Project Gutenberg