578B-4-Hypolepis-rugosula-MG.jpg

Hypolepis rugosula

Ruddy Ground-fern

Single firm, upright fronds sometimes drooping at tips, distantly spaced along branched underground stems to form dense thickets. Red-brown and clear hairs on both sides and midribs.

Additional information

  • FamilyDennstaedtiaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size35 cm - 1.5 m high
  • Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
  • LeavesBroadly triangular dark green fronds, divided 3 times, to 0.6 m wide. Oblong asymmetrical segments, base running onto midrib; margin lobes pointed or wedge-shaped. Midrib brown at base, grooved with side ridges. Rough reddish-brown stem.
  • FlowersNon-flowering. Round spore cases in 2 rows near margins, near gap of lobe or tooth. Sometimes partially covered by recurved fringed margin flap.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist to wet alluvial soils in humid forests, along watercourses or on well drained mountain slopes in moist to wet forests and rainforests. Often in disturbed sites beside tracks. Full sun (with moisture) to semi shade. Most common hypolepis.
  • Garden useVigorous fern for underplanting in sheltered gullies and along water courses.
  • Commercially availableRarely
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Helen Moss ©

Plant Communities

  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 09 Myrtle Beech Cool Temperate rainforest (EVC31)
  • 04 Alpine Ash Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)
  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • Page 1 of 1