Tmesipteris parva
Small Fork-fern
Weeping epiphytic fern ally with narrow unbranched leafy stems. Branching rooting stem (rhizome) but no true roots. Matures in one season.
Additional information
- FamilyPsilotaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 10 cm long
- Plant groupingEpiphytes
- LeavesCrowded curved lance-shaped leaves, tapering to a point, 9-14 mm long, small point on blunt tip. Plants in Warburton area have leaves similar to T. ovata, broader towards the end with a point on the tip.
- FlowersNon-flowering. Spores in 2-chambered capsule at the base of forked specialised leaves, shorter than sterile leaves.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsGrows on trunks of tree-ferns, especially Rough Tree-fern, in gullies of moist to wet forests. Full shade.
- Garden useVery specific requirements and delicacy of the plant make it difficult for cultivation.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Occurs mainly between Gembrook and Warburton within the Shire.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Andre Messina Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 2 Daniel Ohlsen Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
Plant Communities