Notogrammitis heterophylla

Gipsy Fern

Weeping epiphytic fern, fronds crowded together in a tuft. Rooting stem (rhizome) short. Stem short and winged, scaly at base.

SynonymCtenopteris heterophylla
FamilyGrammitidaceae
StoreyMiddle storey
Sizefronds 5-25 cm x 10 cm
Plant groupingEpiphytes
LeavesDark green lance-shaped fronds, divided or deeply lobed; segments differing lengths, narrow to oblong, stalkless, bases running into midrib, margins entire or lobed.
FlowersNon-flowering. Single row of oval spore cases sunken inside margin on either side of midrib, one per lobe.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsOn tree branches and trunks, logs, rocks and in mossy crevices in sheltered rainforest gullies. Full shade.
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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Once more widespread but now known from very few local sites.