Asplenium pellucidum

Aspleniaceae

Asplenium pellucidum Lam.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/117183

Hanging Spleenwort

Lithophytic or epiphytic ferns. Rhizome short-creeping, scaly. Stipe and rachis mostly dark brown, becoming green only near apex, densely scaly near base; stipe c. 2 cm long, c. 1 mm diam. Lamina narrowly elliptic, pinnate, 19–23 cm long, 4.5–5.5 cm wide, glossy bright green, slightly scaly. Primary pinnae in 20–30 pairs; basal pinnae broadly ovate; middle pinnae ±oblong, all with a basal acroscopic lobe; bases unequally cuneate, ±sessile; margins coarsely and irregularly toothed; apices obtuse; longest pinnae near middle, 23–28 mm long, 8–10 mm wide, decreasing gradually upwards with a short acute pinnatifid apical segment. Sori to 5 mm long. Perispores dark with smooth prominent broad ridges and smooth lacunae; exospores 44.3 µm × 27.4 µm (mean).

Occurs in a restricted area in NE QLD known from two populations. Also scattered between Madagascar and Malesia.

Lithophytic or epiphytic on mossy branches near waterfalls in high rainfall vine forest.

An attractive horticultural fern. The only known Australia population has been diminished by illegal collecting.

Best cultivated in a hanging container or a nest-fern a cool moist tropical garden or fernery.