Pteris comans
Netted Brake
Tufted upright dark green fern, arching at the tips, on a short erect stem (rhizome).
Additional information
- FamilyPteridaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.8-2 m high
- Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
- LeavesSoft broadly-triangular fronds, divided 3-4 times, to 75 cm wide, few short hairs below on midveins. Oblong stalkless final segments with network of veins below; margins broadly toothed. Midrib yellowish with narrow deep groove. Long brown stem.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Spore cases in narrow band along margins, extending along base of segment but not to tip. Partially covered by recurved margin flap when young.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet gullies in rainforest. Full shade.
- Garden useDifficult to cultivate. Requires permanently moist shaded fernery.
- Commercially availableNo information available
- Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Known from a few sites within the Dandenong Ranges where it is rare.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 R. Hill ©, Australian National Botanic Gardens; 2-4 Marilyn Bull ©
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