ATHYRIACEAE

Brittle bladder-fern

 

0.05m - 0.3m (5-30cm) 

 

Spores 

Fronds delicate, brittle, thin-textured, pale green, once-divided. 

Break O'Day; Central Coast; Central Highlands; Derwent Valley; Huon Valley; Kentish; Northern Midlands; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast 

Montane Vegetation; Riparian 

Uncommon highland species, usually occurs at about 1000m but also found on the Huon River near Scotts Peak. Confined to very sheltered rock ledges, crevices or boulder grottos, often close to running water. May also grow from the rubble at the base of rock form- ations usually on limestone , dolerite or basalt. 

Moist; Rocky 

 

Poor; Well-drained; Rubble and rock 

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.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. Suitable below powerlines. 

Sori black. 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.* 

 

No 

 

 

 

* A tiny fern, very difficult to grow and resents disturbance. Needs cool, moist, humid conditions. Best grown in a bottle, aquarium or terrarium. (See notes on growing from spores)