Common name: Broad Shield Fern
Polystichum formosum Tindale APNI* 
Description: Rhizome and lower parts of stipes covered with fine soft scales and red-brown ovate to lanceolate scales.
Fronds 2–3-pinnate, usually 35–70 cm long; rachises sparsely scaly in mature fronds, proliferous buds never present on main rachis; lamina dark green, leathery, ultimate segments with deeply toothed margins, the teeth acute to aristate but the apical spine not longer than the marginal ones.
Sori circular; indusium light brown, sometimes with a dark centre, not persistent.
Distribution and occurrence: Widespread, but more plentiful in northern areas, in rocky gorges near waterfalls in rainforest.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, SC, NT, CT, ST
Other Australian states: Qld Vic.
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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