GLEICHENIACEAE

Dwarf coral-fern

 

0.3m - 0.6m (30-60cm) long 

None 

Spores 

Fern; rootstock slender, fronds scattered, pinnae to 4cm long, pinnules bright green, dull beneath, margins revolute. 

Derwent Valley; Huon Valley 

High rainfall areas 

Tas. endemic. Uncommon and restricted to high rainfall as in the south and south west of the State. Typically a plant of semi-sheltered situations under subalpine scrub . 

Moist; Shady 

 

Fertile; Loam; Poor; 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.After sowing 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.Experience in cultivation is limited and plants have proved sensitive to disurbance and difficult to maintain. Suitable below powerlines. 

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 cooled medium. Cover immediately with clean glass or plastic wrap and leave in a warm area in strong light but not direct sunlight. 

 

No