Family:
Blechnaceae
Blechnum penna-marina
Alpine Water Fern
Other Names:
Regional Subspecies:
Blechnum penna-marina subsp. alpina
Occurrence:
Regional:
Predominantly east of the Hume Highway.
Habitat & Site Selection:
Cooler high altitude regions, commonly in sphagnum bogs.
Habit:
Ground fern with rhizomes. Slightly leathery fronds, usually 8-25 cm long. Often forms low mats or small colonies. Grows over summer, after winter dormancy, with new erect bronze-pink fronds conspicuous after winter.
Propagation:
By division of rhizomes or from spore.
VALUES:
Ornamental:
Hardy and useful in cultivation. Forms low dense groundcover. Allow space to spread, and water well.