Pteris comans

Netted Brake

Tufted upright dark green fern, arching at the tips, on a short erect stem (rhizome).

FamilyPteridaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.8-2 m high
Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
LeavesSoft broadly-triangular fronds, divided 3-4 times, to 75 cm wide, few short hairs below on midveins. Oblong stalkless final segments with network of veins below; margins broadly toothed. Midrib yellowish with narrow deep groove. Long brown stem.
FlowersNon-flowering. Spore cases in narrow band along margins, extending along base of segment but not to tip. Partially covered by recurved margin flap when young.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to wet gullies in rainforest. Full shade.
Garden useDifficult to cultivate. Requires permanently moist shaded fernery.
Commercially availableNo information available
Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Known from a few sites within the Dandenong Ranges where it is rare.