Scrambling Coral-fern - native (Gleichenia microphylla)

Family: Gleicheniaceae.

Native.

Rare. The local record is along a water race at Taradale.

Recognise:

• it has fronds which repeatedly branch.

In suitable habitats the ferns may cover several square metres and grow to more than a metre in height. The ultimate leaflets are tiny rounded and stalkless.

Gleichenia: after Frederick Gleichen, 1917-83, a German botanist; microphylla = small leaf.

Image: Pressed specimen. 2,3: Scrambling Coral Fern, Grampians.