BLECHNACEAE

Common rasp fern

 

0.6m (60cm) 

None 

Spores 

Terrestrial fern with underground stolons: fronds 30-60cm, rough, not dimorphic. 

Break O'Day; Derwent Valley; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Kentish; King Island; Kingborough; Launceston; Northern Midlands; Sorell 

Riparian; Coastal gullies in dry forest 

Uncommon in Tasmania and mostly restricted to the mideast coast and Tamar estuary. Grows in thin soil layers over rock but more typically on the margins ofsmall permanent creeks where it grows from the rubble of the creekbank. Intolerant of deep shade. 

Exposed; Moist; Rocky 

 

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. 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 in two rows becoming confluent with age.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 grown by division. Hardy and readily grown in any partially protected situation in the garden. Will withstand considerable sunshine especially if regularly watered. Responds to mulches and light applications of fertilizer. New fronds are often an attractive purplish pink.