Common name: Prickly Shield Fern
Arachniodes aristata (G.Forst.) Tindale APNI* Synonyms: Polystichum aristatum (G.Forst.) C.Presl APNI*
Description: Rhizome creeping, covered with red-brown to dark brown papery scales.
Fronds 3–4-pinnate, to 100 cm long; main rachis pale, bearing a few small scales; lamina dark green, glossy, leathery; ultimate segments unequal-sided at the base, marginal teeth aristate.
Sori circular; indusium dark brown, reniform, ± persistent.
Distribution and occurrence: Forms colonies in rainforest, especially near creeks; chiefly in north coastal regions.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, ?LHI
Other Australian states: Qld
Text by Peter G. Wilson Taxon concept: D.L. Jones (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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