Polystichum proliferum

Location & distribution maps

Phylogeny & links to associated information

Wikipedia links:       Monilophytes > Polypodiales > Dryopteridaceae > Polystichum proliferum

Other links:    

Plant  information

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:

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