Histiopteris incisa

Bat’s Wing Fern

Single upright fronds, distantly spaced, spreading along branched underground stems to form large colonies. New growth fleshy.

Additional information

• FamilyDennstaedtiaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.5-2 m high
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• LeavesSoft triangular pale to blue-green fronds, divided 2-3 times, to 0.8 m wide. Segments paired, stalkless, spaced, pair of leaf-like lobes at base; margins entire, veins forked. Midribs flattened, slightly grooved. Stem fleshy, whitish blue-green.
• FlowersNon-flowering. Long narrow bands of spore cases along margins but not tips. Partially covered by recurved margin flap.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in gullies and swamps of wet and riparian forests, often on disturbed sites, along tracks and filling spaces created from fallen trees. Semi shade to dappled shade.
• Garden useAn attractive soft fern for underplanting in moist sites. Too vigorous for ferneries.
• Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions

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Plant Communities