GLEICHENIACEAE

Spreading fan-fern

 

fronds 2.0m (200cm) 

None 

Spores 

Fern; rhizome creeping; fronds erect or straggling, form 1-3 tiers.Pinnules( margins entire) set at right- angles to rhachis. 

Break O'Day; Burnie; Central Coast; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Huon Valley; Kingborough; Meander Valley; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast 

Rainforest; Riparian; Road cuttings 

Uncommon in Tasmania, mainly restricted to the north west up to 280 m. Occurs typically as a vigorous groundcover as well as in the more usual Sticherus habitats such as creek banks, waterfalls and road cuttings. 

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 within 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 dryiing out. Resents disturbance. Suitable below powerlines. 

Sori in single row on either side of midvein. 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.