Arthropteris submarginalis

Tectariaceae

Arthropteris submarginalis Domin

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/102659

Rhizome 1–1.5 mm diam.; upper surface densely covered with minute appressed black-brown scales (frequently lost with age) which sometimes bear short marginal glandular hairs. Fronds 5.5–39 cm long, tapering towards base and partly to apex; uppermost pinna pair and terminal pinna usually distinctly enlarged. Stipes to 5 cm long; rachis bearing scattered scales (rarely) and short curled hairs; indumentum dense on upper surface, rare to absent on lower surface. Pinnae bearing similar hairs on proximal part of upper midrib; lower midrib generally glabrous; apex generally acuminate to attenuate. Sterile pinnae 14–48 mm long, 6–14 mm wide, not markedly auriculate; margins entire to crenulate. Fertile pinnae 9–55 mm long, 3–13 mm wide, often with a low rounded auricle; margins usually crenate. Sori superficial, submarginal, usually absent from auricle; indusium round, glabrous.

Endemic to NE QLD between Mt Finnegan and Johnstone River.

Hemiepiphytic climber on trees and occasionally on rocks in mesic low to upper montane vine forest.

This species starts as a terrestrial fern and climbs up tree trunks to become and epiphyte.