Tmesipteris ovata
Oval Fork-fern
Weeping epiphytic fern ally with narrow leafy stems, unbranched, or branched once. Branching rooting stem (rhizome) but no true roots. Matures in one season.
Additional information
- FamilyPsilotaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-20 cm long
- Plant groupingEpiphytes
- LeavesCrowded straight oblong leaves, broader at the tip, 8-14 mm long, small point on blunt tip.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Spores in rounded 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 Rough Tree fern, in wet slopes and gullies of wet forests. Full shade. Restricted distribution within the Shire.
- Garden useVery specific requirements and delicacy of the plant make it difficult for cultivation.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Very restricted distribution within the Shire.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Ken Harris ©; 3 Neville Walsh, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
Plant Communities