Polystichum proliferum
Mother Shield Fern
Mother Shield Fern
Wikipedia links: Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Dryopteridaceae > Polystichum proliferum
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Common name: Mother 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 species name is derived from Latin, Proli – offspring and fer - bearing referring to the proliferous buds, a prominent feature of the species
Spores:
Sori (spore clusters) occur in rows on either side of the midrib and are covered with by a large umbrella-like indusium (protective covering) hence the common name “mother shield fern”
Leaves:
Fronds can reach up to 100 cm in length and 30 cm wide, are dark green when mature but lighter and paler when young
Stem & branches:
The rhizome and frond bases are covered in persistent scales which are glossy brown with pale edges
Roots:
Habit:
It is a terrestrial fern that can grow to 130 cm in height
Habitat:
It is widespread and abundant from sea-level to 1300m
At elevation, it will occur in amongst boulders and at lower altitudes - in wet forests
The species typically favours gullies and creeks as well as the cooler/moister, southern and eastern facing aspects
It will however, occur in drier vegetation types such as coastal scrub and dry schelorphyll, due to its hardy characteristics such as the ability to tolerate salt-laden winds and poor soil quality
It is often associated with Dicksonia antarctica in gullies, occurring higher up the gullies than Dicksonia antarctica and further away from the watercourse
Distribution:
It is an Australian endemic
Predominantly occurs in the tablelands and ranges of NSW, Victoria, ACT and Tasmania
Additional notes:
The close association and similar appearance between the two species has often led novice plant to collectors to misidentify Polystichum proliferum as Dicksonia antarctica
Reproduction
It will propagate vegetatively via proliferous buds or sexually through spores
Vegetative reproduction occurs when bulbils develop at end of the larger fronds grows into small plant
As the weight of the bulbil increases, the frond sags until the bulbil can take root in the soil underneath
This characteristic allows Polystichum proliferum to colonise large areas vegetatively, often becoming the dominant ground cover after a disturbance
A desirable trait for those who cultivate the species in home gardens
Sources of information: