Hymenophyllum cupressiforme
Common Filmy-fern
Epiphytic or lithophytic fern, weakly erect fronds arching over at tips, scattered along the rhizome, on a creeping rooting stem (rhizome) to form dense mats. Dark brown stem.
Additional information
- FamilyHymenophyllaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizefronds 2-8 cm long
- Plant groupingEpiphytes
- LeavesOblong translucent dull dark green fronds, 2-3 times divided, 1 cell thick; final segments short, broad, margins coarsely toothed. Midrib narrowly winged, dark brown.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Single large spore case partly enclosed by broad, deeply 2-lipped membranous covering at ends of short segments next to midrib.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsCool shady gullies on rotting logs and rocks, tree ferns or amongst mosses and humus in wet mountain forests, often with Cephalomanes caudatum. Full shade.
- Garden useVery specific requirements and delicacy of the plant make it difficult for cultivation. Grow in moist ferneries mounted on tree ferns.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Helen Moss ©; 2 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 3 Chris Lindorff, NatureShare ©
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