INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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Morphological Variations of Oak Leaf Fern Living in Epiphytic, Epilithic
and Terrestrial Habitats in Dili, Timor Leste
Nicole K. Tjhang*1, Ayushi K. Chand1, Welmince A. Soares1, Edwin F. Alejo1, Scott L. Gahum2, Carrel
Debonnaire R. Naces3
1Timor Leste Adventist International School
2Mindanao Mission Academy
3Central Mindanao University
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000077
Received: 02 October 2025; Accepted: 08 October 2025; Published: 04 November 2025
ABSTARCT
This study examined the morphological variations of Aglaomorpha quercifolia across three habitats: epiphytic,
epilithic, and terrestrial in Dili, Timor-Leste. The study aimed to 1.) identify and describe the morphological
characteristics of A. quercifolia in different habitats; 2.) assess the statistical variations of these morphological
characteristics among different habitat conditions; and 3.) evaluate the extent of morphological variations of A.
quercifolia across different habitats based on statistical analysis. Specimens were collected through transect
walks and visual searches. Both qualitative (e.g., frond color and texture) and quantitative (e.g., frond and rachis
size) data were recorded and analyzed using MANOVA in Jamovi. Results showed that all specimens shared
key characteristics such as creeping rhizomes, dimorphic fronds, and scaly stipes, confirming they belong to the
same species. However, significant differences in size and shape were observed across habitats. Epiphytic A.
quercifolia had the greatest dimension of fertile and sterile fronds. Epilithic ferns were smallest in all measured
traits. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong effect of habitat on morphology (F = 57.1, p < 0.001), with fertile
frond and rachis length showing the most variation. The findings suggest that while A. quercifolia maintains
core species traits, its morphology is significantly influenced by habitat. Epiphytic forms appeared best adapted,
with larger fronds aiding nutrient collection. Further research is recommended to include anatomical and
physiological studies and environmental monitoring to better understand the species’ adaptability.
Keywords: Aglaomorpha quercifolia, Fern, Habitat, Morphological variation
INTRODUCTION
Aglaomorpha quercifolia (L.) Hovenkamp & S. Linds., [syn. (Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J.Sm., J. Bot. (Hooker)]
(Lindsay et al., 2017) is a member of the Polypodiaceae family and is commonly referred to as the "oak-leaf
basket fern" (Rodriguez et al., 2014). This species is distinguished by its dimorphic fronds, which include both
fertile foliage fronds and sterile nest fronds. The fertile fronds are green, long-stalked, deeply lobed, and
pinnatifid, exhibiting a leathery or membranous texture. These fronds bear sori on their undersides, either
dispersed or arranged in two consistent rows between the secondary veins. In contrast, the sterile fronds begin
as green but turn shiny brown upon maturity. Positioned at the base of the foliage fronds, they remain attached
to the creeping rhizome after senescence. These sterile fronds are leathery, rough, and rigid, resembling oak
leaves, which contribute to their characteristic "basket" shape. Their primary function is to trap debris and
organic matter from canopy water runoff, which decomposes into humus, thereby supplying nutrients to the plant
(Rodriguez et al., 2014; Sridhar et al., 2006; Lubos & Amoroso, 2011; Dickason, 1946; Janarthanan et al., 2016;
Simpson, 2010; Anuja et al., 2014).
Another defining characteristic of A. quercifolia is its thick, "wooly" rhizome (Rodriguez et al., 2014), from
which both types of fronds emerge. This rhizome may take on different forms, depending on environmental
conditions—it can be either short-creeping (Costa et al., 2021) or long-creeping (Lubos & Amoroso, 2011). It is
densely enveloped in soft, copper-colored, velvet-like scale leaves that offer protection and insulation
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(Janarthanan et al., 2016; Sunil et al., 2020). The presence of this thick rhizome, along with its protective scale
leaves, enhances the plant's ability to survive in diverse habitats.
Aglaomorpha quercifolia is typically found in cool, moist, and shaded environments. While it is commonly an
epiphyte, it can also grow as an epilithic or, in some cases, a terrestrial pteridophyte (Lubos & Amoroso, 2011;
Anuja et al., 2014; Janarthanan et al., 2016). This wide ecological adaptability may explain its diversity.
Terrestrial plants mainly derive their nutrients from the soil in which they grow (Chapin III et al., 2002).
However, epiphytic and epilithic species—growing on tree trunks and wet rocks, respectively—obtain nutrients
through different means. They rely on atmospheric deposition, stem flow, canopy soils, and trapped organic
debris for sustenance (Winkler & Zotz, 2010), as observed in A. quercifolia. These habitat variations necessitate
morphological and physiological adjustments that enhance the plant’s adaptability to diverse environments
(Sultan, 1995).
In Timor-Leste, studies have explored A. quercifolia, particularly its ecological role, traditional uses, and
potential applications. Traditionally, the Timorese people use it as a remedy or food source. Costa et al. (2021)
reported that local communities consume the fern’s rhizome, believing that a broth made from it enhances milk
production in new mothers. Additionally, the young fronds of this fern are boiled and eaten with rice by locals.
Several compounds have also been reported for the first time in this species, and the findings contribute to
confirming its nutritional value.
Despite being a well-documented fern species, the majority of research on Aglaomorpha quercifolia has
primarily focused on its morphology, anatomy, species diversity, nutritional value, and phytochemical properties
(Lubos & Amoroso, 2011; Janarthanan et al., 2016; Rodriguez et al., 2014; Morakjar et al., 2015). However,
there is a significant knowledge gap regarding how this species locally adapts to different habitats. Given its
presence across epiphytic, epilithic, and terrestrial environments, it is imperative to explore how its
morphological traits vary across these distinct habitats and how such differences contribute to its survival and
ecological success.
Objectives
The study aimed to investigate the morphological variations of A. quercifolia living in epiphytic, epilithic, and
terrestrial habits. Specifically, it attempted to:
1. Identify and describe the morphological characteristics (e.g., leaf size, shape, stem diameter) of A.
quercifolia in different habitats.
2. Assess the statistical variation of these morphological characteristics among different habitat conditions.
3. Evaluate the extent of morphological variation of A. quercifolia across different habitats based on
statistical analysis.
Research Hypothesis
The following hypotheses were tested to determine whether the observed morphological variations of
Aglaomorpha quercifolia across different habitats are statistically significant:
H₀1: There is no significant difference in the morphological characteristics of A. quercifolia across different
habitats.
Ha1: There is a significant difference in the measurable morphological characteristics of A. quercifolia across
different habitats.
H₀2: The morphological characteristics of A. quercifolia do not significantly vary among different habitat
conditions.
Ha2: The morphological characteristics of A. quercifolia significantly vary among different habitat conditions.
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H₀3: There is no significant degree of morphological variation of A. quercifolia across different habitats based
on statistical analysis.
Ha3: There is a significant degree of morphological variation of A. quercifolia across different habitats based on
statistical analysis.
METHODOLOGY
Sampling Methods
The population of this study consists of Aglaomorpha quercifolia specimens found in three different habitats:
epiphytic, epilithic, and terrestrial environments within the selected study in Dili, Timor Leste. A transect walk
method was employed along the main trails and areas to systematically observe and record specimens.
Additionally, opportunistic sampling, or the visual encounter method, was utilized to collect data beyond the
predefined transects.
Documentation, Examination and Identification of Specimens
A. quercifolia specimens were documented and examined in their natural habitat using a phone camera. Each
specimen’s character was examined and documented more closely to provide a clearer image. To ensure
consistency in data collection, a total of 5 individual plants was sampled per habitat, resulting in 15 specimens
overall. This approach ensures a balanced representation of morphological variations across different
environments
To verify the identification of the specimen, the researchers used the Synonymic checklist and distribution of
ferns and lycophytes of the world published by Hassler (2022). In addition, since the species of A. quercifolia
are widely distributed in Asia and in Timor Leste (Hassler, 2022; Costa et al., 2021), Co’s Digital Flora of the
Philippines (2011-onwards) was used to confirm identification of the specimens.
Data Collection
The morphological traits were examined and divided into quantitative and qualitative. The variation data
collected as quantitative traits/characters include length and width of the fertile and sterile fronds, and length of
the stipe and rachis. This was obtained by measuring each specimen’s character with three repetitions using a
measuring tape in centimeters (cm).
The qualitative morphological characters include: branching pattern and color of the rhizome and its scales,
color, and texture of fertile fronds, color, shape, texture, and apex shape of sterile frond/blade, color of the frond
stipe and rachis. Observation of qualitative characters were carried out with three repetitions for each specimen.
Other gross morphological characters of the species were also noted.
Data Analysis
The collected morphological data of Aglaomorpha quercifolia from different habitats (epiphytic, epilithic, and
terrestrial) was analyzed using Jamovi software. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and
range, were computed to summarize the variations in morphological characteristics. Jamovi, built on the R
programming language, provides an intuitive interface for performing various statistical analyses, including
descriptive statistics (Jamovi, 2024). The research team collaborated with a statistician from Timor-Leste
Adventist International School who oversaw the final data interpretation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Morphology of Aglaomorpha quercifolia in different habitats
Based on the examination, the following are the morphological descriptions of Aglaomorpha quercifolia in
epiphytic, epilithic, and terrestrial habitats:
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Epiphytic A. quercifolia (Fig 1A). Rhizome brown, fleshy, thick, woody, long-creeping, branched, and covered
with reddish brown scales. Fronds are dimorphic. Sterile frond green when young, ashy brown when mature,
about 12-21 cm long and 11-17 cm wide, leathery, rough and stiff, shallowly lobed, apex acute. Fertile fronds
are green, typically leathery, lobed, about 52-93 cm long and 18-46 cm wide. Stipes brown to green adaxially
and black to brown abaxially, about 21-24 cm long. Rachis usually brownish black and sometimes transition
from brown to green, 31-70 cm long.
Epilithic A. quercifolia (Fig 1B). Rhizome brown, fleshy, thick, woody, long-creeping, branched, and covered
with brown scales. Fronds are dimorphic. Sterile frond green when young, ashy brown when mature, about 8-11
cm long and 5-9 cm wide, leathery, rough and stiff, shallowly lobed, apex acute. Fertile fronds are green, usually
leathery, lobed, about 14-26 cm long and 11-16 cm wide. Stipes brown to green adaxially and black to brown
abaxially, about 9-22 cm long. Rachis usually brownish black and green, 3-8 cm long.
Terrestrial A. quercifolia (Fig 1C). Rhizome fleshy, thick, woody, long-creeping, abundantly covered with
brown scales. Fronds are dimorphic. Sterile fronds are green when young, light brown when mature, about 19-
23 cm long and 9-12 cm wide, leathery, rough and stiff, shallowly lobed, apex acute. Fertile fronds green, shiny
and leathery, deeply lobed, about 62-74 cm long and 39-42 cm wide. Stipes blackish brown adaxially and green
abaxially, 18-25 cm long. Rachis usually brown to green, but sometimes entirely green, 37-48 cm long.
Figure 1. Aglaomorpha quercifolia in different habitats. (A) Epiphytic, (B) Epilithic, (C) Terrestrial
Morphological Similarities of Aglaomorpha quercifolia in different habitats
Based on the descriptions above, one can easily identify that the specimens belong to the same species due to
the morphological similarities. These similarities were observed in the following: rhizome, sterile frond, fertile
frond, and stipe
The rhizomes of the examined A. quercifolia are fleshy, thick, woody, long-creeping. All specimens have green
fertile fronds that are leathery in texture, and lobed. The sterile fronds are all green when young, and brown,
leathery, stiff, and shallowly lobed, and acute of shape when mature. The stipes are mostly brown to green
adaxially and blackish brown abaxially. Some of these characteristics are observed in the studies of Kandhasamy
et al. (2008), Janarthanan et al. (2016), and Lubos & Amoroso (2011).
The described similar characteristics of A. quercifolia are what distinguish the species from other species. Some
are common characteristics among the members of the family Polypodiaceae. Having scaly rhizomes is a
common characteristic among the members of the family Polypodiaceae, as stated by Simpson (2019). Dynaria,
the synonymous genus of A. quercifolia, is characterized by leaf/frond dimorphism with shallowly lobed sterile
fronds and deeply lobed foliage fronds, and the leathery texture of the fronds (Ngatinem-Praptosuwiryo, 2003,
de Winter & Amoroso, 2003), which were also observed in all investigated specimens of this study. The presence
of scaly rhizomes, which gives it a woolly appearance, and its regular rows of sori distinguish A. quercifolia
from A. sparsisora (Fig. 2) and that without the rhizome, it’s almost impossible to distinguish the two species
from one another (Ngatinem-Praptosuwiryo, 2003).
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Figure 2. Observed Aglaomorpha sparsisora at one of the sampling sites.
The shape of the sterile fronds may differ in specimens occurring in different habitats, but they are more or less
ovate. De Winter and Amoroso (2003) described the sterile fronds of A. quercifolia with a more or less ovate
shape. Rajesh (n.d.) described the shape of the sterile fronds of A. quercifolia as ovate to ovate-lanceolate, while
Lubos and Amoroso (2011) described it as having broadly-ovate shape.
Variations of Qualitative Characters
Aglaomorpha quercifolia exhibits notable qualitative morphological differences across its epiphytic, epilithic,
and terrestrial growth forms. These variations reflect the species' adaptability to diverse environmental
conditions and are evident in structures such as rhizomes, fronds, stipes, and rachises.
Across all habitats, the rhizome of A. quercifolia is consistently described as fleshy, thick, woody, long-creeping,
and branched, providing structural stability and nutrient storage (Fig. 3). However, scale coloration varies:
epilithic forms often possess reddish-brown scales, while epiphytic and terrestrial types exhibit uniformly brown
scales (Fig. 3A and 3C). The reddish hue in epilithic rhizomes may be an adaptation to increased sunlight
exposure or a different composition of protective compounds aiding in water retention and desiccation resistance
(Hidayat et. al., 2015).
Figure 3. Rhizome of A. quercifolia in (A) Epiphytic, (B) Epilithic, and (C) Terrestrial
Frond dimorphism is a consistent trait among all habitat types, indicating a conserved reproductive strategy. In
all cases, sterile fronds display a leathery, rough, and stiff texture with shallow lobes and an acute apex. These
features suggest durability, important for capturing and retaining humus in canopy and forest floor environments.
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Color transitions—from green when young to various shades of brown when mature—reflect age and exposure
differences. Notably, epiphytic and epilithic fronds tend to become ashy brown (Fig. 4A and 4B), possibly due
to increased exposure to air and light, while terrestrial forms turn more uniformly brown (Lubos & Amoroso,
2011). Fertile fronds in all habitats maintain a leathery texture and lobed morphology. However, the depth of
lobing varies, with terrestrial individuals showing more deeply lobed fertile fronds, potentially enhancing
photosynthetic efficiency in shaded, ground-level conditions. Epiphytic fertile fronds remain typically lobed,
suited for elevated positions where light is more abundant (Costa et al., 2021).
Figure 4. Sterile fronds of A. quercifolia in different habitats (A) Epiphytic, (B) Epilithic, and (C) Terrestrial.
Stipe and rachis coloration also varies across habitats and may indicate adaptations to differing light intensities
and nutrient levels. In epiphytic and epilithic forms, the stipe often shows a gradient from brown or green on the
upper (adaxial) surface to darker shades like black or brown on the lower (abaxial) side. This dual coloring could
serve protective or thermoregulatory functions. The rachis often transitions from brown to green or appears
brownish-black in both epiphytic and epilithic forms. In contrast, terrestrial specimens sometimes show fully
green rachises, which may be associated with lower light environments and the need for greater photosynthetic
contribution from supporting structures (Hidayat et al., 2015; National Parks Board Singapore, n.d.)
Variations of Quantitative Characters
Table 1. Descriptive results of variations in morphological characteristics among different habitats.
Morphological Characteristics Location Mean SD
Fertile Frond Length EPI 79.40 16.01
EPL 19.60 5.18
TER 68.40 5.13
Fertile Frond Width EPI 36.60 11.44
EPL 13.60 2.07
TER 40.60 1.34
Sterile Frond Length EPI 17.40 4.10
EPL 9.80 1.10
TER 21.20 1.48
Sterile Frond Width EPI 14.40 2.30
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EPL 6.80 1.48
TER 10.20 1.30
Stipe Length EPI 22.80 1.10
EPL 13.00 5.24
TER 21.00 2.55
Rachis Length EPI 56.00 14.95
EPL 4.80 1.92
TER 42.60 4.04
Table 1 shows the statistical variation of morphological characteristics among different habitat conditions; it was
assessed using descriptive statistics, revealing significant differences in frond dimensions and structural
components. Fertile frond length and width varied notably across locations, with the epiphytic (EPI)
Aglaomorpha quercifolia displaying the greatest mean values (79.40 cm and 36.60 cm, respectively), while the
epilithic (EPL) habitat exhibited the lowest values (19.60 cm and 13.60 cm, respectively).
Similar trends were observed in sterile frond dimensions, where EPI specimens showed markedly larger
measurements compared to those from EPL and terrestrial (TER) habitats. These findings align with the study
of Lubos and Amoroso (2011), which reported that A. quercifolia, being primarily epiphytic, typically possesses
large sterile fronds ranging from 20–30 cm in length and 15–25.5 cm in width, supporting the idea that epiphytic
forms develop more robust frond structures.
Moreover, stipe and rachis lengths also demonstrated substantial variation, particularly in rachis length, where
EPI specimens recorded the highest mean (56.00 cm), while EPL specimens had the lowest (4.80 cm). These
findings suggest that habitat conditions significantly influence morphological traits—likely as a result of
environmental factors such as nutrient availability, substrate stability, and light exposure.
Extent of Morphological Variations to the Different Habitats
The variation in qualitative and quantitative characters among A. quercifolia populations in different habitats
reflects intraspecific variability, which is defined as the differences occurring between various individuals of the
same species, recognized through morphological characteristics (Dumont, 2018).
Table 2. MANOVA test across Location (Pillai’s Trace)
Variable F-value p-value Verbal Interpretation
Location 57.1 < 0.001 Significant
Sig. at p-value < 0.05
Table 3. Univariate test in all living condition of A. quercifolia
Dependent Variable Sum of Squares df Mean Square F p-value
Fertile Frond Length 10130.8 2 5065.4 49.1 < .001
Fertile Frond Width 2123.3 2 1061.67 23.3 < .001
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Sterile Frond Length 336.9 2 168.47 25 < .001
Sterile Frond Width 144.9 2 72.47 23.6 < .001
Stipe Length 272.1 2 136.07 11.6 0.002
Rachis Length 7049.7 2 3524.87 43.4 < .001
Sig. at p-value < 0.05
The extent of morphological variations of A. quercifolia across different habitats was evaluated using MANOVA,
with Pillai’s Trace indicating a significant overall effect of location on morphological traits (F = 57.1, p < 0.001)
(Table 2). Univariate tests further confirmed significant differences for all measured attributes shown in table 3,
with fertile frond length (F = 49.1, p < 0.001) and rachis length (F = 43.4, p < 0.001) showing the greatest
variation among locations. Similarly, fertile frond width, sterile frond dimensions, and stipe length exhibited
statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). However, stipe length (F=11.6, p = 0.002) statistically showed a
lower variation among locations.
Table 4. Extent of Morphological Characteristics in Different Locations Using Post-hoc Analysis.
Comparison Mean Difference
p-value
Verbal Interpretation
Location A Location B
Fertile Frond Length
EPI EPL 59.8 0.001 Significant
EPI TER 11.0 0.384 Not Sig.
EPL TER -48.8 <0.001 Significant
Fertile Frond Width
EPI EPL 23.0 0.022 Significant
EPI TER -4.00 0.735 Not Sig.
EPL TER -27.00 <0.001 Significant
Sterile Frond Length
EPI EPL 7.60 0.027 Significant
EPI TER -3.80 0.219 Not Sig.
EPL TER -11.40 <0.001 Significant
Sterile Frond Width
EPI EPL 7.60 0.001 Significant
EPI TER 4.20 0.026 Significant
EPL TER -3.40 0.012 Significant
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Stipe Length
EPI EPL 9.80 0.028 Significant
EPI TER 1.80 0.382 Not Sig.
EPL TER -8.00 0.052 Significant
Rachis Length
EPI EPL 51.2 0.003 Significant
EPI TER 13.4 0.231 Not Sig.
EPL TER -37.8 <0.001 Significant
Sig. at p-value < 0.05
Table 4 shows that the epiphytic and epilithic samples, as well as the terrestrial and epilithic samples of A.
quercifolia, exhibit significant differences, suggesting that these habitats contribute to distinct variations in
morphological characteristics. However, the epiphytic and terrestrial samples do not show a significant
difference in most morphological traits, except for the width of the sterile fronds, which has a mean difference
of 4.20.
Based on the investigation, in terms of fertile frond length, the epiphytic and terrestrial specimens are
significantly taller and larger compared to the epilithic specimens. Although the epiphytic and terrestrial samples
have almost identical measurements, the epiphytic specimens are considered the tallest among the three
populations, with a mean difference of 11.0. This suggests that epiphytic and terrestrial specimens of A.
quercifolia are well-adapted to its habit as an epiphyte, growing on tree trunks. Epiphytic plants are able to
survive on trees due to structures and mechanisms that make them withstand extreme environmental conditions
such as low water supply that can also result to nutrient limitation (Ainuddin & Nur Najwa, 2009; Zotz & Hietz,
2001).
The post hoc analysis for sterile frond length (Table 4) showed significant differences between EPI and EPL
(7.60, p = 0.027) and EPL and TER (-11.40, p < 0.001), indicating that habitat conditions significantly influence
frond length. However, the comparison between EPI and TER (-3.80, p = 0.219) was not statistically significant,
suggesting that these two locations exhibit similar sterile frond lengths. In the case of A. quercifolia, their sterile
nest fronds play an important role in the survival of the species in epiphytic and terrestrial habitats as they
contribute to the enhancement of nutrient acquisition of the species. These structures trap leaf litter and water to
buffer the plant from drought and nutrient scarcity and inconsistency (Schmidt & Zotz, 2001). According to
Janssen and Schneider (2005), A. quercifolia possesses humus-collecting foliar structures as an adaptation to its
epiphytic life form. A. quercifolia demonstrates notable morphological adaptations that support efficient nutrient
absorption in both its epiphytic and terrestrial forms. In particular, epiphytic individuals possess specialized
humus-collecting structures that allow the fern to trap and utilize organic debris from the surrounding canopy,
enhancing nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor arboreal environments. Terrestrial forms, on the other hand, benefit
from direct access to soil nutrients (Hidayat et. al., 2015). In general, ferns typically grow in cool, moist, and
shady environments. In this study, most of the epiphytic and terrestrial specimens were observed in densely
shaded areas, which allowed them to trap more fallen leaves and sticks. These materials eventually decompose
into humus, enhancing nutrient uptake. These observations might also influence the morphological
characteristics associated with epilithic living conditions that has a bigger mean difference value compared to
epiphytic and terrestrial living conditions. The epilithic specimens that were observed in this study were found
in less shaded areas, which may have affected the amount of humus collected. This could have led to insufficient
nutrient availability, resulting in stunted growth and altered morphological characteristics. Epilithic ferns, which
grow on rock surfaces, often face challenges such as limited soil and nutrient availability. Research indicates
that these ferns exhibit specific adaptations at various structural levels to cope with their environment. Their
morphological and physiological traits are influenced by factors like light intensity and nutrient scarcity,
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affecting their overall growth and development (Shamrov, 2015). As a result, nutrient acquisition is more
efficient in epiphytic and terrestrial habitats than in epilithic conditions
However, the post hoc results for both stipe and rachis length follow a similar trend. The analysis for stipe length
(Table 4) showed significant differences between EPI and EPL (9.80, p = 0.028), and between EPL and TER (-
8.00, p = 0.052), indicating notable variations in stipe length across these habitats. In contrast, the comparison
between EPI and TER (1.80, p = 0.382) was not statistically significant, suggesting that stipe lengths in these
two habitats are relatively similar.
Similarly, the post hoc analysis for rachis length revealed significant differences between EPI and EPL (51.2, p
= 0.003), and between EPL and TER (-37.8, p < 0.001), highlighting substantial variation. However, the
comparison between EPI and TER (13.4, p = 0.231) was not statistically significant, indicating that rachis lengths
in these two habitats are also comparable.
These findings underscore the influence of environmental factors on rachis and stipe development, with EPL
exhibiting the most distinct differences compared to the other habitats.
Based on the observations, the epiphytic population has a higher number of individuals than the epilithic and
terrestrial populations. They are found growing abundantly on trunks of huge trees, with some fertile fronds
hanging on the side of the trunk or branches. Thus, A. quercifolia is adapted to epilithic and terrestrial habitats,
they are much more well adapted to their epiphytic habitat, as observed in their large fronds and their wide
occurrence as an epiphyte.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study lead to several important conclusions regarding the morphology of Aglaomorpha
quercifolia across different habitats. First, the specimens collected from various environments displayed
morphological similarities, particularly in structures such as the rhizome, sterile frond, fertile frond, and stipe,
confirming that they all belong to the same species. However, despite these similarities, both quantitative and
qualitative differences were evident. Quantitative variations included differences in the length and width of
sterile and fertile fronds, as well as in stipe and rachis length, while qualitative variations were observed in the
texture of fertile fronds and in the coloration of sterile fronds and rachises. Statistical analyses further revealed
significant differences in frond dimensions and structural components across habitats. For instance, epiphytic
specimens exhibited the largest fertile fronds, with mean lengths and widths of 79.40 cm and 36.60 cm,
respectively, whereas epilithic specimens displayed the smallest, measuring only 19.60 cm and 13.60 cm.
Similarly, the epilithic population had the shortest and narrowest sterile and fertile fronds, ranging from 8–11
cm and 5–9 cm for sterile fronds, and 14–26 cm and 11–16 cm for fertile fronds. Overall, morphological variation
was significantly influenced by habitat, with fertile frond length and rachis length showing the greatest
differences, while stipe length displayed comparatively lower variation. These findings suggest that A.
quercifolia is better adapted to epiphytic conditions, as evidenced by its larger frond size and wide distribution
in this habitat.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of this study, several recommendations are proposed to further enhance the understanding
of Aglaomorpha quercifolia and its morphological variation across habitats. First, a more extensive
morphological investigation of the species is recommended to provide a stronger and more comprehensive basis
for assessing variation. Additionally, anatomical and physiological studies should be conducted to gain deeper
insights into the species’ adaptability to different environmental conditions. Expanding the sampling area is also
advised, as this would yield a broader and more accurate representation of morphological variation. Continuous
measurement of microclimatic parameters, such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and canopy cover,
using dataloggers is suggested to establish clearer correlations between specific environmental conditions and
morphological adaptations. Finally, comprehensive analyses of soil and humus content—including pH, organic
matter, nutrient levels (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus), and moisture retention—should be carried out to
better understand how substrate quality influences the morphological traits of A. quercifolia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 885
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