Gleichenia microphylla
Scrambling Coral Fern
Scrambling fern. Repeated forking of fronds to form extensive tangled thickets. Vigorous underground stems. Major frond branches green with bundles of short shiny red-brown bristles & fringed scales.
Additional information
- FamilyGleicheniaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Sizeto 4 m high
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesErect, wiry bright green fronds, paler below. Final branch narrow, 2-6 cm long, with small oblong segments, midrib without scales or hairs. Margins flat.
- FlowersNon-flowering. 2-4 shiny bright yellow spore clusters grouped near the midrib on each segment.
- Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsSeasonally or permanently waterlogged soils in cool, sheltered swamps especially in association with Melaleuca squarrosa (Scented Paperbark). Semi-shade to full shade.
- Garden useToo large for a small fern garden. Plant in moist gullies and sheltered swampy sites where it has plenty of room.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Related speciesThe spore clusters of Gleichenia dicarpa are clustered in pouches on the edge of frond segments.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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