Abrodictyum caudatum
Jungle Bristle-fern
Erect, tufted epiphytic fern with layered segments, on a short creeping or sub-erect rooting stem (rhizome). Stem short, dark brown.
Additional information
- SynonymCephalomanes caudatum, Macroglena caudata
- FamilyHymenophyllaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- SizeFronds 4-20 cm long
- Plant groupingEpiphytes
- LeavesLacy lance-shaped translucent dark green fronds, 2-3 times divided, 1 cell thick; final segments very narrow, margins entire, single veined. Midrib narrowly winged, brown.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Conical membrane at ends of lateral final segments 2-10 mm long, containing spore cases which are crowded onto a protruding bristle.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsHumid rainforests, growing on tree ferns especially the Rough Treefern. Full shade. Rare plant in Victoria and within the Shire.
- Garden useVery specific requirements and delicacy of the plant make it difficult for cultivation. Grow in moist ferneries mounted on tree ferns.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Occurs in a few disjunct areas of the Shire. Most populations occur in East Gippsland.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 R. Hill ©, Australian National Botanic Gardens; 2 Jeff Jeanes, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
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