Polystichum vestitum
Prickly shield fern | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Pteridophyta |
Class: | Pteridopsida |
Order: | Polypodiales |
Family: | Dryopteridaceae |
Genus: | Polystichum |
Species: | P. vestitum |
Binomial name | |
Polystichum vestitum (G.Forst.) C.Presl[1] | |
Synonyms | |
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Polystichum vestitum, commonly known as the prickly shield fern, is a hardy, evergreen or semi-evergreen ground fern.
Description
Polystichum vestitum is a terrestrial fern with an erect and scaly rhizome, sometimes forming a short trunk and growing up to 700 mm in height. The fronds are 220–600 mm long. There are 3–7 (usually 5) round sori on each pinnule, halfway between the margin and midrib, with a light brown indusium.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The fern is native to the three principal islands of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, as well as to New Zealand’s subantarctic Snares, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands, and to Australia’s Macquarie Island.[2]
Macquarie Island
On Macquarie it dominates the fernbrake communities which typically occur on the eastern, leeward side of the island on valley slopes and sheltered valley floors. Although it can form dense stands in which few other plants will grow, more commonly it is found in conjunction with Stilbocarpa polaris, Poa foliosa and Pleurophyllum hookeri.[3] The fern is seriously affected by rabbit grazing.[4]
References
Notes
Sources
- Bryant, S. L. & Shaw. J.D. (2007). Threatened species assessment on Macquarie Island, Voyage 5, April 2007 (PDF). Report to Biodiversity Conservation Branch, DPIW. Hobart: Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania.
- Forster, G. (1836). Tent. Pterid. 83. Missing or empty
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(help) - "Coastal Slopes vegetation on Macquarie Island". Macquarie Island Flora. Australian Antarctic Division. 2010-08-12. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- "Polystichum vestitum (G.Forst.) C.Presl". Flora of Australia Online. Australian Biological Resources Study. 1993. Retrieved 2011-01-18.