Helminthostachys zeylanica

Ophioglossaceae

Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Kaulf.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/103419

Rhizome short-creeping, unbranched, subterranean. Fronds erect, 1 or 2 near apex of rhizome with a common basal stipe, 15–40 cm long. Sterile lamina tripartite; parts sessile or shortly stalked, divided into 3 or 5 pinnules. Pinnae lanceolate to elliptic, acute or rarely obtuse, 5–21 cm long, 6–40 mm wide; margins entire, crenate or serrate; veins free, dichotomously branched. Sporophore cylindrical, 4–13 cm long, 5–10 mm wide, on a 4–14 cm long stipe. Lateral branches each with a group of free sessile sporangia and sterile lobes at the apex. 

Tropical coast and hinterland of WA, NT and QLD south to Whitsunday region QLD. Also in Asia, Malesia and the Pacific Islands.

Terrestrial in open forest, swamp forest, beach scrubs and vine forest margins, in sandy soils in swales between sand-dunes, in black soils or on the edges of creeks or swampy areas.

The fronds of this species die back each year and regenerate from an underground rhizome the following wet season. They do not emerge every year.

May be difficult to propagate and establish but grows well in a large deep container of free draining mix in a well lit part of a tropical garden or fernery.