Polystichum proliferum

Polystichum proliferum, commonly known as mother shield fern is an Australian endemic fern. The genus name Polystichum is derived from Greek poly - many, and stichos - rows referring to the many rows of sori. The species name is derived from Latin, Proli – offspring and fer - bearing referring to the proliferous buds, a prominent feature of the species.

Mother shield fern
Mother shield fern from Barrington Tops National Park, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Suborder: Polypodiineae
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Genus: Polystichum
Species:
P. proliferum
Binomial name
Polystichum proliferum

Description

Polystichum proliferum is a terrestrial fern that can grow to 130 cm in height.[1] The rhizome and frond bases are covered in persistent scales which are glossy brown with pale edges. Fronds can reach up to 100 cm in length and 30 cm wide, are dark green when mature but lighter and paler when young.[2] Sori (spore clusters) occur in rows on either side of the midrib and are covered with by a large umbrella-like indusium (protective covering) hence the common name “mother shield fern”.[3]

Habitat and distribution

Polystichum proliferum is widespread and abundant from sea-level to 1300m a.s.l.,[4] but predominantly occurs in the tablelands and ranges of New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.[3] At elevation, Polystichum proliferum will occur in amongst boulders and at lower altitudes - in wet forests.[3] The species typically favours gullies and creeks as well as the cooler/moister, southern and eastern facing aspects.[3] Polystichum proliferum will however, occur in drier vegetation types such as coastal scrub and dry schelorphyll, due to its hardy characteristics such as the ability to tolerate salt-laden winds and poor soil quality. Polystichum proliferum is often associated with Dicksonia antarctica gullies, occurring higher up the gullies than Dicksonia antarctica and further away from the watercourse. The close association and similar appearance between the two species has often led novice plant to collectors to misidentify Polystichum proliferum as Dicksonia antarctica.[4]

Mother Shield fern, an Australian endemic

Reproduction

Polystichum proliferum will propagate vegetatively via proliferous buds or sexually through spores.[1] Vegetative reproduction occurs when bulbils develop at end of the larger fronds grows into small plant. As the weight of the bulbil increases, the frond sags until the bulbil can take root in the soil underneath.[4] This characteristic allows Polystichum proliferum to colonise large areas vegetatively, often becoming the dominant ground cover after a disturbance and is a desirable trait for those who cultivate the species in home gardens.

  • The rows of sori on the underside of a larger frond
gollark: Isn't that an actual alt?
gollark: I've gotten the first one.
gollark: How dare you?
gollark: I have them.
gollark: *taken before the images even load in for me*

References
  1. Howells, C (ed) (2012). Tasmania's Natural Flora. Hobart, Tasmania: Australia Plants Society of Tasmania, Inc.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  2. Jones, D.L; Clemesha, S. C (1981). Australian Ferns and Fern Allies. Sydney: A.H. & A.W. Reed Pty Ltd.
  3. Australia, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Parks. "Polystichum proliferum - Growing Native Plants". www.anbg.gov.au. Retrieved 2017-03-24.
  4. Garrett, Michael (1996). The Ferns of Tasmania. Hobart, Tasmania: Tasmanian Forest Research Council. ISBN 072463519X.
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