Gleichenia abscida

Gleichenia abscida, commonly known as dwarf coral fern, is an uncommon alpine fern found in southwestern Tasmania. Described by English born dentist and botanist Leonard Rodway,[1] that which distinguishes G. abscida the most from all other species of Gleichenia is its frond. While each other species of Gleichenia have a repetitively branching frond, G. abscida's frond consists of just two blades, with the apical axil between these two blades lacking meristematic tissue.[2]

Dwarf coral fern
Gleichenia abscida growing amongst alpine scrub north of Federation peak
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Gleicheniales
Family: Gleicheniaceae
Genus: Gleichenia
Species:
G. abscida
Binomial name
Gleichenia abscida

Morphology

Multiple stipes (25–40), 9–46 cm long, with fronds up to 65 cm in length, arise from long creeping rhizomes 2.5–3.5 mm in diameter.[2] Scaly rounded pinnules 1–2 mm across, with flat adaxial surfaces and strongly recurved into an abaxial pouch, hold sori of 2–4 sporangia.[2]

G. abscida growing in its typical exposed alpine habitat.

References
  1. Rodway, Leonard (1903). The Tasmanian Flora. Hobart: John Vail, Government Printer. p. 289.
  2. "Gleichenia abscida". Flora of Australia Online. Australian Biological Resources Study. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
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