Blechnum patersonii
Strap Water-fern
Erect to spreading densely tufting perennial on short semi-erect rhizome (rooting stem). Sterile and fertile fronds dissimilar. New growth reddish.
Additional information
- FamilyBlechnaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-40 cm x 40 cm
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesTapering oblong dark green sterile fronds, undivided or irregularly divided into pairs of lobes. Fertile fronds erect, narrow, undivided or few long narrow segments. Short pale brown stems, scaly near base.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Narrow, continuous spore cases covering either side of midvein, recurved margin covering spores when young.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained humus-rich soils on stream banks and mountain gullies of moist to wet forests and rainforests. Dappled to full shade.
- Garden useAn attractive little fern for ferneries and very sheltered watercourses, intolerant of drying out. Containers.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusScattered within its preferred habitat within the Shire.
- Aboriginal Use In some areas - food - starchy rhizome eaten raw or roasted
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Peter Kinchington ©; 2 Marilyn Bull ©
Plant Communities