dragon’s scale fern, pyrrosia piloselloides
Dragon’s scale fern is an epiphyte.
An epiphyte is a plant that does not take root in soil but grows non-parasitically upon another plant, usually a tree merely for physical support. It uses photosynthesis for energy and obtains moisture from the air or dampness from rain and cloud moisture on the surface of its host. It attaches itself to the host for height to gain better access to sunlight and to avoid becoming some herbivores’ sumptuous meals.
I found this dragon’s scale fern very fascinating initially as a plant that grows on other plant until one day, it dawned on me that it actually reflects very closely the relationship we have with God.
When dragon’s scale fern attaches itself to the host plant there are promises of survival and protection. Similarly, when we attach ourselves to the Lord, i.e. put our humble trust upon the Lord entirely, He promises us life, protection and deliverance. And we can find these promises as declared in Psalms 91 —
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honour him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
——–
It cannot be any clearer or plainer than this, can it? So, do we still doubt?
typical shape – circular and fleshy fronds
sometimes the fronds are elongated
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