Common name: mother shield fern
Polystichum proliferum (R.Br.) C.Presl APNI*
Description: Rhizome and base of stipes covered with glossy, pale-bordered, often twisted scales.
Fronds 2–3-pinnate, mostly 50–80 cm long, main rachis densely scaly, often giving rise to scaly proliferous buds; lamina dark green, ultimate segments with toothed margins, the teeth never aristate.
Sori circular; indusium brown, with a prominent black centre, ± persistent.
Distribution and occurrence: Widespread, best developed in open forest in cool mountain areas, often forming large colonies; south from Tenterfield district.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, SC, NT, CT, ST, NWS
Other Australian states: Vic. Tas.
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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