Common Name: Shield ferns
Description: Terrestrial ferns, the rhizome erect or shortly creeping, thick, densely covered with broad scales.
Fronds clustered, proliferous buds sometimes present on main rachis; stipe scaly at the base; rachis covered with broad-based scales; lamina 2–3-pinnate; pinnae unequal-sided, veins free.
Sori circular, the indusium peltate.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 160 species, almost cosmopolitan. Australia: 4 species, Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas.
Text by Peter G. Wilson
Taxon concept:
Taxa not yet included in identification key
Polystichum moorei,
Polystichum whiteleggei
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Proliferous buds never present on the main rachis; small woolly, pale brown, much-divided scales present on the stipes and rachises | 2 |
| Proliferous buds often present on the main rachis; small woolly scales not present, although the bases of the lanceolate scales on the rachis are divided and somewhat feathery | 3 |
| 2 | Scales of the rhizome and stipe base clearly of two types, narrow and red-brown at the very base, and broader (sometimes also darker) further up | Polystichum fallax |
| Scales of the rhizome and stipe base predominantly of one type, all red-brown and ovate to lanceolate
Back to 1 | Polystichum formosum |
| 3 | Scales at base of stipe glossy, mostly with a pale border, and often twisted | Polystichum proliferum |
| Scales at base of stipe dull, lacking a pale border
Back to 1 | Polystichum australiense |
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