Tmesipteris obliqua
Long Fork-fern
Weeping epiphytic fern ally with narrow unbranched leafy stems. Branching rooting stem (rhizome) but no true roots. Groove in lower section of stem. Plant grows for more than one season.
Additional information
- SynonymTmesipteris billardierei
- FamilyPsilotaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20-65 cm long
- Plant groupingEpiphytes
- LeavesScattered asymmetric oblong leaves 20-25 mm long, small point on blunt tip, spiralling on stem.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Spores in pointed 2-chambered capsule at the base of forked specialised leaves, narrower and shorter than sterile leaves.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsGrows on trunks of tree-ferns, especially Soft Tree-fern, in gullies of wet forests. Full shade.
- Garden useVery specific requirements and delicacy of the plant make it difficult for cultivation.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few populations, sometimes containing very few plants.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Ken Harris ©; 3 Neville Walsh, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
Plant Communities