Calochlaena dubia
Common Ground-fern, False Bracken
Single upright fronds 2-8cm apart spreading along branched underground stems to form dense colonies. New growth bright green, covered in clear to pale hairs.
Additional information
- SynonymCulcita dubia
- FamilyDicksoniaceae (syn. Culcitaceae)
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.5-2 m x spreading
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesCoarse broadly triangular yellow-green fronds, divided 3-4 times, to 1.6 m long, tips drooping. Segments asymmetrical, stalked, separate, deeply lobed, finely hairy especially on midribs below. Midribs with wide, shallow groove.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Round spore cases scattered near margins at ends of veins, on either side of midrib. Partially covered by recurved margin flap.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil on sheltered slopes in open areas of forests. Colonises disturbed sites. Semi shade to dappled shade.
- Garden usePlant as understorey where some light is available. Needs to have plenty of room as it will form dense colonies once established. Too vigorous for ferneries.
- Commercially availableSpecialist fern nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Related speciesOften confused with Pteridium esculentum (Austral Bracken) which has red-brown new tips as a result of coloured hairs, symmetric segments with finely scalloped segments and narrow bands of spore cases along margins.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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