Parablechnum articulatum

Blechnaceae

Parablechnum articulatum (F.Muell.) Gasper & Salino

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/8032666

Rhizome sometimes forming a short erect trunk. Fronds dimorphic, 12–50 (–165) cm long, 4–25 (–80) cm wide. Stipe 4–82 cm long, stramineous to reddish brown, glabrous except for narrow triangular acuminate entire dark reddish brown scales at base. Lamina ovate, pinnate, with 5–20 pairs of pinnae; rachis and costae stramineous to reddish brown, glabrous; sterile pinnae narrowly lanceolate, tapering to both ends, 2.5–36 cm long, 10–25 mm wide, stalked at base of lamina, becoming sessile towards apex; stalk articulated at rachis; margins entire, crenate to serrate at apices; basal pinnae similar or slightly shorter; fertile pinnae linear, 6–27 cm long, 1.5–6 mm wide. Spores 47 × 34 µm; perine scaberulous; exine smooth. 

Endemic to NE QLD in montane areas between Cooktown and Rockingham Bay.

Terrestrial in rainforest along stream banks in high rainfall montane areas.

An attractive ornamental fern for cultivation in cool moist areas.

Best grown in a container in a moist fernery or in the ground in a moist and shaded part of the garden in cool tropical, subtropical or warm temperate areas.