Pyrrosia rupestris

Rock Felt-fern

Erect epiphytic or lithophytic fern, fertile and sterile fronds dissimilar. Spreads on long creeping branching stem (rhizome) densely covered in light brown papery scales. Young stems hairy.

Additional information

FamilyPolypodiaceae
StoreyUpper storey
Sizefronds 1-8 cm long
Plant groupingEpiphytes
LeavesPale green fleshy fronds with dense mat of rusty star-shaped hairs below. Fertile fronds narrow to spoon-shaped to 8 cm long, on longer stems; sterile fronds round and button-like to 2 cm long.
FlowersNon-flowering. Crowded oval spore cases on narrower fronds.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsGrows on trunks and branches of trees, often high in the canopy, and on logs and along cracks in rocks. Semi shade to dappled shade. Limited distribution within the Shire.
Garden useGrow in hanging baskets on fibrous material. Plants can shrivel when dry, swelling again when wet.
Commercially availableRarely
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from the Dandenong Ranges but may no longer be present. More common in East Gippsland.