Histiopteris incisa

Common Name:

Bat's wing

Family:

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

All regions except Murray Mallee, Lowan Mallee, Wimmera, Riverina, Victorian Volcanic Plain (CDEJKNPRSTVWZ) all States except WA
Map - Australasian Virtual Herbarium

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

Sites along streams and sheltered gullies. Damp places ¹

Flower Description:

N/A

Habit:

Fern with creeping rhizome to 1.2 m high ¹

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):

Histiopteris incisa is the only species in this genus in Australia. Pinnules are sessile and opposite and rhizomes have scales ²
Sori are in continuous rows along margins of pinnules ¹
Histiopteris incisa looks similar to bracken, however fronds appear much softer and more lush ¹

Images:

Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia MELU

Links to description of this species:

NSW Flora VicFlora

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