Blechnum penna-marina ssp. alpina
Alpine Water-fern
Erect tufted or spreading perennial fern spreading along a creeping underground stem to form small colonies. Sterile and fertile fronds dissimilar. New growth bronze to pink.
Additional information
- FamilyBlechnaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-30 cm high
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesCoarse, narrow dark green sterile fronds, once divided; scattered scales on midvein. Crowded oblong leaflets to 10 mm, tips blunt, lower segments smaller, separate. Fertile fronds taller, stiffly erect, segments curved. Red-brown stems, scales near base.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Narrow, continuous spore cases covering either side of midvein.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to boggy soils in sub-alpine forests and exposed areas descending to the snowline. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun to dappled shade.
- Garden useDainty small fern for ferneries and moist sheltered gullies, intolerant of drying out. Can also be grown in the lowlands. Containers.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusRestricted distribution within the Shire where it may be locally abundant.
- Aboriginal Use In some areas - food - starchy rhizome eaten raw or roasted
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Peter Kinchington ©
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