Arthropteris tenella

Tectariaceae

Arthropteris tenella (G.Forst.) J.Sm. ex Hook.f.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/102666

Rhizome 1.5–4 mm diam.; upper surface densely covered with spreading elongate red-brown scales (frequently lost with age), which sometimes bear short marginal teeth. Fronds 12–30 cm long, tapering towards base and partly to apex; uppermost pinna pair and terminal pinna often enlarged. Stipes 2–12 cm long; lower surface of rachis bearing scattered scales and sparse to dense short curled hairs; upper surface with rare scales only. Pinnae bearing similar hairs on lower surface (but glabrescent) and on proximal part of upper and lower midrib (where persistent); base not auriculate; apex usually attenuate but acuminate or rounded in sterile pinnae. Sterile pinnae (5–) 10–110 mm long, 10–18 mm wide; margins entire. Fertile pinnae (18–) 40–160 mm long, (5–) 10–23 mm wide; margins entire to crenate. Sori superficial, at two-thirds to three-quarters distance from midrib to margin; indusium absent.

E Australian coast and hinterland from Mt Windsor Tableland in NE QLD to Kiama in NSW. Also Lord Howe and Norfolk Island and New Zealand.

Hemiepiphytic climber or lithophyte in mesic mid to upper montane vine forest.