Scientific Name: Cheilanthes distans
Common Name: bristly rockfern
Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes
Family: Adiantaceae
Threatened Species Status: Endangered
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Small fern with dense scales under pinnules and short, narrow, dark green fronds with widely spaced lower pinnae.
Height (m): 0.05 – 0.15
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Currently known from near Avoca, Royal George and the Douglas-Apsley National Park. It grows in shallow soil on exposed, north-facing rock ledges. Can be recognised by dense covering of scales under its pinnules and by short, narrow, dark green fronds.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Rocky
Soil Tolerance
Nutrient-poor, Well-drained
General Notes
One of the easiest species to grow. It requires a warm, well drained position such as in a sunny rockery. Resents shade and must not be overwatered.
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 are on margins of segments protected by folded leaf margins. 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.