Diplopterygium longissimum

Gleicheniaceae

Diplopterygium longissimum (Blume) Nakai

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/79001

Rhizome 3.5–6 mm diam.; internodes 9–14 cm long. Fronds to 6 m long, scandent, 2-pinnate. Stipes 0.3–1.25 m or more long, stout, initially bearing peltately attached dark brown lanceolate scales with fimbriate margins, glabrescent except near base; rachis initially bearing dark brown scales. Primary pinnae opposite, 0.25–2 m long, 10–40 cm wide. Secondary pinnae linear to lanceolate, 5–22 cm long, 0.8–3.5 cm wide. Ultimate segments divided almost to midrib, linear to triangular, glabrous above; undersurface glaucous-green to glaucous with pale brown obscure scales and branched hairs on midrib and veins; margins entire, often revolute. Sori of 2–4 pale to dark brown sporangia, half-way between margin and midrib. 

Occurs in NE QLD from the Mt Windsor Tableland to Eungella. Also in Asia, Malesia and the Pacific Islands.

Terrestrial, most commonly seen on road embankments in mid to upper montane rainforest.

A pioneer on disturbed sites.