THELYPTERIDACEAE

Lime fern

Vulnerable 

0.4m -1.1m (40-110cm) 

None 

Spores 

Clump-forming fern; rootstock erect, short ;trunk; fronds erect in tussock, Pinnae broad- based, deeply lobed, lower pinnae reduced. 

Burnie; King Island; Meander Valley; Waratah-Wynyard 

Riparian; Boggy sites 

Very rare in Tasmania. Only four extant populations known from the north west and King Island. Found in riparian situations or soaks. Will tolerate boggy soils and most frosts. Specimens on King Island are smaller and paler green than those on mainland Tasmania. 

Moist; Shady; Waterlogged 

Hardy 

Poor; Poorly-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.After sowing specks of green appear within 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. 

Sori round lacking indusia . spores are collected when mature on the frond. unripe sori are generally 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 bysprinkling 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 

May be propagated by division. Can be grown successfully with regular addition of lime. Needs filtered sun or partial sun and plenty of water.