Phlegmariurus tetrastichoides

Lycopodiaceae

Phlegmariurus tetrastichoides (A.R.Field & Bostock) A.R.Field & Bostock

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/242313

Bootlace Tassel-Fern, Square Tassel-Fern

Epiphytic plants. Branches tufted, pendulous, branched 1–several times, to 40 cm long. Leaves arranged in 4 rows, often with 2 spreading laterally and 2 ascending on upper side of branch, thin but firm, imbricate, angled at 30–45° to the axis, ovate to lanceolate, acute, entire, 8–14 mm long, 3–4 mm wide, deep green. Transition from sterile to sporogenous zone gradual. Sporogenous zone 4–11 cm long, usually 3–4 mm diam. Sporophylls ovate, acute, keeled, in 4 rows; branch 4-sided, 3.5–5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide. Sporangia occupying about one-quarter to a half the sporophyll length.

Endemic to NE QLD between Mt Finnegan and Eungella.

Best cultivated in a hanging container of coarse free draining mix in a cool tropical fernery.

Can be distinguished from other Australian Phlegmariurus by the four sided shoots and keeled lycophylls.