Family: Blechnaceae
Blechnum wattsii
Citation:
Tind., Contr. N.S.W. natn. Herb. 3:247 (1963).
Synonymy: B. capense sensu J. Black, Fl. S. Aust. 37 (1943), partly, non (L.)Schldl.; B. procerum sensu H. Eichler, Suppl. 28 (1965), non (Forster f.)Sw.
Common name: Hard water-fern.
Description:
Rhizome creeping, branching, clad with dark-brown scales with lighter margins; fronds erect or drooping but firm; stipe and rhachis stramineous or dark-brown, often mottled, scaly; the scales of the rhachis stramineous, those of the lower part of the stipe dark-brown with a lighter margin; pinnae coriaceous, minutely serrate, the margin slightly irregular, with light-brown scales along the costa on the underside; lowermost pinnae not reduced markedly in size; fertile pinnae firm, the lowermost pairs often with an expanded sterile herbaceous base.
Distribution:
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S.Aust.: SL, KI, SE. Qld; N.S.W.; Vic.; Tas.
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Conservation status:
native
Flowering time: No flowering time is available |
SA Distribution Map based
on current data relating to
specimens held in the
State Herbarium of South Australia
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Biology:
The S. Aust. material of B. wattsii is different from the form found in the eastern States in being a larger plant with more numerous narrower pinnae and lacking the dense brown scales along the rhachis. It may represent a distinct species.
Author:
Not yet available
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