Blechnum cartilagineum

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Common Name:

Gristle-fern

Family:

Blechnaceae

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

Grampians, Midlands, Otway Range, Eastern Highlands, Gippsland Plain, Wilsons Promontory, East Gippsland (DJKNPRSTVWZ) also Qld, NSW, Tas
Map - Australasian Virtual Herbarium

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

Moist open gullies as well as drier, more exposed sites. Can become the dominant understory plant (eg. In some areas of Sealers Swamp) 1

Flower Description:

N/A

Habit:

Ground fern to 150 cm tall 2

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):


Fertile and sterile fronds appear similar, pinnae are attached by wide bases 2

Images:

Image: Mike Bayly
Image: Mike Bayly

Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia MELU

Links to description of this species:

Flora of Australia 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