Scientific Name: Blechnum parrisiae
Common Name: common raspfern
Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes
Family: Blechnaceae
Form Description: Terrestrial fern with underground stolons. Fronds erect, 20-70cm long, stiff and rough.
Height (m): 0.2 – 0.7
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Uncommon in Tasmania and mostly restricted to the mid-east coast and Tamar estuary. Grows in thin soil layers over rock but more typically on the margins of small permanent creeks where it grows from the rubble of the creekbank. Intolerant of deep shade.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Rocky
Soil Tolerance
Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
General Notes
Hardy and readily grown in any partially protected situation in the garden. Will withstand considerable sunshine especially if regularly watered. Responds to mulches and light applications of fertilizer. New fronds are often an attractive purplish pink.
Propagation Calendar
-
Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Collect spores when mature on the frond. Sori in two rows becoming confluent with age. Unripe sori are generally light green then change to yellowish-brown and to dark brown or black when mature. Place fronds, or portions of fronds, containing ripe spores in a paper bag and leave in a dry and draught-free place. Spores should begin to release immediately and all spores are released within days unless the species has tough, leathery fronds. Some species produce large quantities of spores from one frond, others require many fronds to produce similar quantities.
Seed Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Treatment Notes
Use a moisture-retaining medium and a pot that allows drainage. Sterilise medium and container with boiling water. Sow spores by sprinkling a small amount onto the surface of the medium. Cover immediately with clean glass or plastic wrap. Leave in a warm area in strong, but not direct, sunlight. Specks of green appear after 2-4 weeks. These are the young prothalli. During the next 6-12 months they are at risk from overcrowding and pathogens. When the first fronds appear the sporelings can be slowly hardened by gradual removal of the container cover. Take care to avoid drying out. Prick out sporelings when the second frond appears.
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown by division.