Scientific Name: Blechnum spinulosum
Common Name: small raspfern
Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes
Family: Blechnaceae
Threatened Species Status: Endangered
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Terrestrial fern. Fronds rough; segments with terminal pinnae joined in a tail.
Height (m): 0.1 – 0.4
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Extremely rare in Tasmania with scattered small populations reported from only a few sites, including the banks of the River Leven, Pipers River and Cataract Gorge, Launceston.
Site Tolerance
Moist
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Well-drained
General Notes
In cultivation grows best in morning sun or filtered sun on an acid, well drained soil which can be improved with mulching and light applications of fertiliser.
Propagation Calendar
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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
Sori elongated or rounded, becoming confluent. Collect spores when mature on the frond. 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 propagated from offsets.