Australian Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes - Online edition

Phlegmariurus tetrastichoides


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Habit. © A.R. Field
Habit. © A.R. Field
Family

Lycopodiaceae

Botanical name

Phlegmariurus tetrastichoides (A.R.Field & Bostock) A.R.Field & Bostock

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/242313

Common name

Bootlace Tassel-Fern, Square Tassel-Fern

Description

Epiphytic plants. Branches tufted, pendulous, branched 1–several times, to 40 cm long. Leaves arranged in 4 rows, often with 2 spreading laterally and 2 ascending on upper side of branch, thin but firm, imbricate, angled at 30–45° to the axis, ovate to lanceolate, acute, entire, 8–14 mm long, 3–4 mm wide, deep green. Transition from sterile to sporogenous zone gradual. Sporogenous zone 4–11 cm long, usually 3–4 mm diam. Sporophylls ovate, acute, keeled, in 4 rows; branch 4-sided, 3.5–5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide. Sporangia occupying about one-quarter to a half the sporophyll length.

Distribution

Endemic to NE QLD between Mt Finnegan and Eungella.

Cultivation

Best cultivated in a hanging container of coarse free draining mix in a cool tropical fernery.

Similar species

Can be distinguished from other Australian Phlegmariurus by the four sided shoots and keeled lycophylls.

Citation of Australian Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes

Field AR, Quinn CJ, Zich FA (2022) Australian Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes. apps.lucidcentral.org/fern/text/intro/index.htm (accessed online INSERT DATE).

Field AR, Quinn CJ, Zich FA (2022) ‘Platycerium superbum’, in Australian Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes. apps.lucidcentral.org/fern/text/entities/platycerium_superbum.htm (accessed online INSERT DATE).

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