Ptisana oreades

Marattiaceae

Ptisana oreades (Domin) Murdock

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/223049

Rhizome short and erect, obscured by massive accumulation of persistent leaf bases (stipules) forming a 'rootstock' to 50 cm high. Fronds clustered, 2–4-pinnate, to 4 m long. Fronds to 4 m long, arching. Stipe to 75 cm long, up to two-thirds of leaf length, scabrid due to scale bases. Lamina 2-pinnate, to 1.5 m long and 1 m wide. Pinnae obovate, opposite to subopposite, up to 6 pairs, to 85 cm long and 45 cm wide. Pinnules linear-lanceolate, opposite to alternate, up to 31 pairs, to 25 cm long and 4.5 cm wide; base unequal to cuneate; margins serrulate; apex acuminate to aristate, toothed. Veins free, generally simple or once-forked at base. Sori along lateral veins, superficial, submarginal, with up to 10 compartments per synangial valve. Spores ellipsoidal and monolete; exospore ornamentation granular to spiny. 

Endemic to NE QLD between the McIlwraith Range and Eungella.

Terrestrial, often on banks and watercourses in mesic vine forest.

A very large fern that maintains erect fronds by water turgor. Dehydrated plants usually flop on the ground.

Similar to Angiopteris evecta but differing in the structure of the synangium - see images.