Common name: bat's wing fern, oak fern
Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J.Sm. APNI*
Description: Rhizome 2–7 mm diam., covered with narrow red- to golden-brown scales, c. 5 mm long.
Fronds usually 1–2 metres long, rarely more; stipe glabrous except for a few scattered scales at base, dark brown to black at base, paler brown to yellow above; lamina 2–3-pinnate, soft in texture, glabrous, pale green, lower surface glaucous; pinnae with paired stipule-like leaflets at base, ultimate segments asymmetric.
Sori marginal, continuous along upper and lower margins, partly covered by reflexed membranous flaps to 1 mm wide.
Distribution and occurrence: Widespread in moist, sheltered situations, where it often forms extensive colonies.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, SC, NT, CT, ST, CWS, LHI
Other Australian states: Qld Vic. Tas. S.A. N.T.
Text by Peter G. Wilson Taxon concept: P.J. Brownsey (1998)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data ***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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