Histiopteris incisa

Common name: 

Bat's wing

Family: 

Dennstaedtiaceae

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

All regions except Murray Mallee, Lowan Mallee, Wimmera, Riverina, Victorian Volcanic Plain (CDEJKNPRSTVWZ) all States except WA

Map - Australia's Virtual Herbarium

Distribution and ecological preference at Wilsons Promontory (if known):

Sites along streams and sheltered gullies. Damp places1

Flower description:

N/A

Habit:

Fern with creeping rhizome to 1.2 m high1

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):

Histiopteris incisa is the only species in this genus in Australia. Pinnules are sessile and opposite and rhizomes have scales2
Sori are in continuous rows along margins of pinnules1
Histiopteris incisa looks similar to bracken, however fronds appear much softer and more lush1

Images:
Image of Histiopteris incisa
Image of Histiopteris incisa Image: Alison Kellow
Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia

Links to description of this species:

PlantNet

Conservation status:

Not threatened

References:

1 Meagher, D. and Kohout, M. (2001). “A field guide to Wilsons Promontory”. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.
2 Walsh, N. G. and Entwisle, T. J. “Flora of Victoria”, volumes 2 (1994), 3 (1996) and 4 (1999). Inkata Press, Port Melbourne, Victoria