Dipteris conjugata

Dipteridaceae

Dipteris conjugata Reinw.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/80210

Rhizome creeping, to c. 1.5 cm diam., covered with stiff reddish brown bristles. Frond arching, to c. 3.5 m long. Stipe stout, to 2.75 m long, bearing bristles at the base, otherwise smooth and glabrous. Lamina divided to the base into 2 flabellate halves, dark green above, glaucous beneath, coriaceous, glabrous; each half to more than 60 cm long, usually twisted through 90º in the living plant, spreading ±horizontally, deeply divided into 4 unequal lobes which are themselves less deeply divided 1 or more times; lobes tapering into narrow acute apices; margins coarsely toothed; main veins repeatedly forked. Sori small and numerous, borne on minor veins over most of the lower surface. 

Occurs at a few high altitude areas on the Atherton and Evelyn Tableland NE QLD. Also in Asia, Malesia and the Pacific Islands.

Terrestrial or rarely lithophytic on disturbed earthbanks on rainforest margins in well-lit areas. This species forms large stands on roadbanks.

Juveniles appear to germinate only on exposed soil, colonies persist in well lit areas until the canopy closes over.

Considered extremely difficult to cultivate outside of its natural range and habitat.