ADIANTACEAE

Narrow rock-fern

 

0.2m - 0.4m (20-40cm) 

None 

Spores 

Dwarf fern in spreading clumps, fronds very narrow, erect, bright green, no hairs. 

Break O'Day; Brighton; Central Highlands; Dorset; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Kingborough; Latrobe; Northern Midlands; Southern Midlands 

Coastal Vegetation; Seasonally dry habitats 

Uncommon and scattered throughout the eastern half of Tasmania, from exposed coastal rocks to dry inland sites below 450m but with one collection at 800m on the Central Highlands. Where C.sieberi and C. austro- tenuifolia grow together, C. sieberi occurs in shallower soil and top growth dries out earlier. 

Dry; Exposed; Moist; Rocky 

 

Poor; Well-drained; Rocks 

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. 

Sori are on margins of segments protected by folded leaf margins.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 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 

One of the best ferns to grow, requiring a warm, well-drained position. Resents shade but will respond to water during dry periods. Poisonous to stock.