Dendroconche sayeri

Polypodiaceae

Dendroconche sayeri (F.Muell. & Baker) Testo, Sundue & A.R.Field

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/51338034

Rhizome creeping or climbing, bearing dense indument of clathrate scales.   Scales narrowly ovate, acute, 2.5–8 mm long, 1–3 mm wide, brown, spreading; margins entire. Fronds commonly 12–65 cm long (simple fronds 6–27.5 cm long). Stipe 1.3–19 cm long; basal 1–2 cm usually unwinged. Lamina deeply pinnatifid, occasionally simple and entire, narrowly ovate to ovate. Lateral segments 3–15.5 cm long, 0.4–3 cm wide (simple fronds 1.4–4.1 cm wide), broadest about the middle; margins entire, sometimes ±undulate; apex usually acuminate or attenuate, narrow but usually rounded; apical segment similar in shape to lateral segments but usually larger and occasionally slightly lobed at the base, veins obvious; main lateral veins making a wide angle with the midrib of a laminal segment, with 2 rows of areoles between them. Sori linear, oblique to the midrib of a laminal segment, forming ±broken lines between adjacent main lateral veins, sori short, centrally placed between costa (midrib in simple fronds) and margin. Spores translucent and colourless to pale brown, smooth or minutely echinate, 62.5–80 µm long, 37.5–52.5 µm wide. 

Endemic to NE QLD between Mt Finnegan and Mt Dryander.

A subcanopy epiphyte in mesic mid to upper montane vine forest. Usually seen climbing up the stems of small understorey trees.

Slow to propagate and establish but can be successfully grown in a hanging basket, on a slab or in a nest-fern in a moist tropical garden or fernery. Requires cooler moister conditions than C. ampla.

Similar to Dendroconche ampla.

Sori reaching from near midrib to near margin, stipe winged at base = Dendroconche ampla

Sori short, centrally placed between midrib and margin, stipe not winged at base = Dendroconche sayeri

Also similar to Dendroconche scandens.