Gleichenia dicarpa

Pouched or Wiry Coral Fern

Scrambling fern forming extensive tangled colonies. Spreads by vigorous much-branched underground stems. Major frond branches have cobwebby and flat star-shaped hairs and fringed scales.

Additional information

• FamilyGleicheniaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Sizeto 3 m high
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• LeavesErect, many branched, wiry light green fronds. Final branch narrow, 2-5 cm long, with small rounded segments, midrib scaly below. Segment margins rolled under to form a pouch. Frond stalk brown, hairless.
• FlowersNon-flowering. 2 dull yellowish-white spore clusters within pouch on underside of segments.
• Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatYes
• Growing conditionsAcidic damp or wet soils on edges of wet forests, creeks and swamps. Fronds prefer full sun, will tolerate semi shade.
• Garden useToo large for a small fern garden. Plant in moist gullies and swampy sites where it has plenty of room.
• Commercially availableNever
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Related speciesThe spore clusters of Gleichenia microphylla are grouped near the midrib rather than in pouches on the edge of frond segments.

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