The climbing birds nest fern can be used to refer to several species of ferns that grow on trees and other surfaces. Some synonyms for this plant include the staghorn fern, the elkhorn fern, and the antler fern, all of which have distinctive fronds that grow in a rounded, nest-like shape. Other common names for the climbing birds nest fern include the epiphytic fern, the basket fern, and the kangaroo paw fern. These ferns are prized for their ornamental value and are often grown in hanging baskets or mounted on walls or tree trunks to create a unique vertical garden display.