BLECHNACEAE

Alpine water-fern

 

0.05m - 0.2m (5-20cm) 

None 

Spores 

Fern with fronds prostrate or spreading, dark green. Segments almost triangular. 

 

Grassy Vegetation; Montane Vegetation; Sedgeland and Wetland 

W idespread in the highlands of Tas.occasional near sea-level. Except for habitats such as Blowhole Valley, low altitude populations are typically in open, grassy sites beside waters which have flowed past higher altitude populations. Mountainplateaux found in bogs, watercourse margins and rocky outcrops. 

Exposed; Moist; Rocky; Shady; Waterlogged 

Hardy 

Fertile; Loam; Poor; Poorly-drained; Well-drained 

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. 2-4 weeks after sowing specks of green appear. 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. 

Collect spores when mature on the frond. unripe sori aregenerally light green then change to yellowish brown and to dark brown or black when mature. fertile segments on separate frond. see also general notes 

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. 

2-4 weeks 

 

 

 

Yes 

Ferns producing stolons such as Blechnum species can be propagated by division of rhizomes. This method has a high success rate. Hardy and adaptable to a variety of positions even tolerating dryness but responds to regular watering. Grows during summer months and becomes dormant in winter. Useful in cultivation because it forms a compact mat of low ground cover foliage.