Lygodium microphyllum

Schizeaceae

Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R.Br.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/100415

Snake fern

Rhizome long-creeping. Juvenile fronds once-forked; pinnae 4-lobed; margins crenate. Rachis subterete, flattened to slightly depressed on 1 side with ridged edges, glabrous or sparsely pubescent; primary rachis branches 2–5.5 mm long; secondary pinnae oblong, 1-pinnate, rarely 2-pinnate at base, 4–20 cm long, 2.5–10 cm wide; pinnule stalks of similar length to pinna apex; ultimate pinnules 2–5 cm long, 8–25 mm wide, membranous; laminal portion deciduous, ovate to lanceolate; base truncate to cuneate; margins finely or often obscurely crenulate; veins free; sterile pinnules usually longer than sporogenous ones. Sporogenous lobes 1.5–8 mm long.

Widespread across northern and eastern areas of Australia. Also widespread in the Palaeotropics.

Terrestrial climbing on trees, shrubs and rock faces in lowland to lower montane vine forest and in open forest in inland areas.

Lygodium flexuosum and Lygodium reticulatum.

1a. Lateral veins in pinnules forming a network = Lygodium reticulatum

1b. Lateral veins in pinnules not forming a network = 2

2a. Pinnules articulated at base, deciduous = Lygodium microphyllum

2b. Pinnules not articulated at base, persistent (look for dead pinnules hanging on frond) = Lygodium flexuosum