About

The QUEEN STAGHORN

A botanical odyssey in New Guinea

An enthralling adventure unfolds in the heart of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia—a journey that transcends mere exploration. Meet Darryl, our intrepid narrator, as he embarks on a quest to seek out the elusive queen staghorn: Platycerium wandae. This captivating narrative, penned in an engaging conversational style, invites you to join him.

Guided by Mota and Chuckie—trusted local companions turned friends—Darryl delves deep into the rainforest. Under its verdant canopy, they sweat, they stumble, and they persevere. Their goal? To encounter the magnificent queen staghorn in her native habitat—a feat that proves anything but straightforward.

As the journey unfolds, Darryl’s words lead you through local villages, where vibrant cultures intersect with lush tropical rainforests. It’s a world of wonder, where challenges abound, and where the resilience of village life intertwines with the wild beauty of nature. The path is not always smooth; obstacles arise, but the local villagers become their allies.

Beware, this botanical odyssey may draw you into a realm you’d otherwise never explore—a place where the queen staghorn reigns supreme, and where the pulse of life beats in every leaf and frond.

 

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‘Darryl’s second book about staghorn ferns is not only a compelling study of the natural history of one of the giants of the fern world, but also a tribute to his growing knowledge of the genus Platycerium and his empathy with the people who live in close proximity to this plant.’

Peter Bostock, Queensland Herbarium

‘Darryl’s second book about staghorn ferns is not only a compelling study of the natural history of one of the giants of the fern world, but also a tribute to his growing knowledge of the genus Platycerium and his empathy with the people who live in close proximity to this plant.’

 

– Peter Bostock, Queensland Herbarium