ADIANTACEAE

Common Maidenhair

Vulnerable 

0.4m (40cm) 

None 

Spores 

Small fern, with creeping underground rhizomes, fronds prostrate or erect 

Break O'Day; Burnie; Central Highlands; Clarence; Derwent Valley; Devonport; Dorset; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Kentish; King Island; Kingborough; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands; Tasman; West Tamar 

Rainforest; Riparian; Wet Eucalypt Forest; Coastal 

Widespread along stream b anks and rocky areas in a variety of situations but usually in sunny, moist sites. Also tolerates salt-laden winds in coastal situations. 

Exposed; Moist; Rocky 

 

Clay; Fertile; Loam; Poorly-drained; Well-drained 

Fronds, or portions of fronds, containing ripe spores can be placed in a paper bag which is left upright in a dry and draught-free place. Spores should begin to release immediately and all spores are released within days unless the species has tough, leathery fronds. Spores settle at the bottom of the bag. Some species produce vast quantities of spores from one frond, others require dozens of fronds to produce the same amount.Specks of green appear after 2-4 weeks. These are the young prothalli and during the next 6-12 months they are at risk from overcrowding and pathogens. When the first fronds appear the sporelings can be slowly hardened by gradual removal of the container cover. Great care must be taken to avoid drying out. Prick out sporelings when the second frond appears. Suitable below powerlines. 

Spores are collected when mature on the frond. unripe sori aregenerally light green then change to yellowish brown and to dark brown or black when mature 

Standard 

 

 

Sow spores into a pot in a water retaining medium with good drainage. Sterilise medium & containerwith boiling water and sow spores by sprinkling a small amount onto the surface of the medium. Cover immediately with clean glass or plastic wrap and leave in a warm area in strong light but not direct sunlight. 

 

 

 

 

Yes 

Propagation is by division of the rhizomes or from spores. Cut new growth sections of the rhizome with one or two new fronds from the plant and pot into soil mix. It may take 2-6 months for the new growth to become well-established. May withstand sunny, dry conditions if planted amongst rocks when soil moisture and drainage requirements are met.