Blechnum fluviatile
Ray Water-fern
Tufted rosette of arching fronds at the end of short erect rhizome (rooting stem), also flat rhizomes forming small colonies. Sterile and fertile fronds dissimilar.
Additional information
- FamilyBlechnaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20 cm x 0.5-1 m
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesSoft narrow pale green sterile fronds 20-60 cm, once divided; coarse brown scales & hairs on midvein. Leaflets spreading, tips rounded, scalloped margins, basal stalked. Fertile fronds erect, segments narrow. Short grooved brown stems, shiny scales.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Narrow, continuous spore cases covering either side of midvein. Segment margin curved back partly covering spores when young.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet humus-rich soils in sheltered mountain gullies of moist to wet forests. Dappled to full shade.
- Garden useFerneries and very sheltered gullies, intolerant of drying out. Containers.
- Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use In some areas - food - starchy rhizome eaten raw or roasted
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Russell Best NatureShare ©
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