Polystichum australiaense

Location & distribution maps

Phylogeny & links to associated information

Wikipedia links:       Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Dryopteridaceae > Polystichum australiaense

Other links:    

Plant  information

Common name:         Harsh Shield Fern  

Conservation status: . . .

Etymology:   

• The genus name Polystichum is derived from Greek poly - many, and stichos - rows referring to the many rows of sori

• The specific epithet refers to Australia

Spores:                            

• Sori are circular with a brown indusium

Leaves:         

• An unusual feature is the growth of bulbils on end of the fronds

• Fronds are tough, having ultimate segments with distinctly aristate margins (ie with sharp bristles)

Stem & branches: 

• The stem is moderately scaly

Roots:         

Habit:        

Habitat:   

• Seen in warmer sites, unlike the related Polystichum proliferum which usually prefers mountain habitats

Distribution:                  

• Found in NSW

Additional notes:     

• Taxonomy

  • The type specimen was collected at Garie Beach

  • First appeared in a botanic publication in 1954, authored by Mary Tindale

Sources of information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_australiense (2023)