Polystichum australiaense
Harsh Shield Fern
Harsh Shield Fern
Wikipedia links: Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Dryopteridaceae > Polystichum australiaense
Other links:
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: