Pteris orientalis

Pteridaceae

Pteris orientalis Alderw.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/116443

Terrestrial or lithophytic ferns. Rhizome short-creeping to suberect; scales numerous, conspicuous, c. 5 mm long, narrow, pale brown. Fronds monomorphic. Stipe purplish, grooved, scaly towards base. Lamina 1-pinnate, c. 40–75 cm long, c. 30–40 cm wide. Pinnae closely spaced, to 20 cm long, narrowly oblong and tapering towards the apex, with truncate bases, gradually increasing in length from apex to base of lamina (except the lowermost pinnae which are slightly shorter); most pinnae attached by midrib only; terminal pinna not the longest; veins free, at ±90° to costa, simple or once-forked. Paraphyses scarce. 

Possibly an introduced species. Recorded from the Cairns to Babinda region in NE QLD.

Terrestrial on a rocky slope in wet sclerophyll forest.

Readily cultivated in the ground or a container in a tropical or subtropical garden or fernhouse.