Scientific Name: Hymenophyllum australe

Common Name: southern filmyfern

Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes

Family: Hymenophyllaceae

Form Description: Fern with long, creeping, thread-like rootstock: fronds, 6-15cm long, 1-3 times pinnate, semi-erect, dark green, crinkled, veins conspicuous.

Height (m): 0.06 – 0.15

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
RainforestWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Widespread and abundant in rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and fern gullies from sea level to 650m. It occupies sites near ground level, soil, rock, mossy logs and the bases of trees and Dicksonia. Occasionally on more exposed, wet rock-faces with Hymenophyllum rarum.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

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
Specialist Method

Seed Information

Seed Collection

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 Notes

Not easy from spores.

Cutting & Division Information

Easily grown by division if given constant high humidity, regular misting, shade and protection from drying winds. Culture in a bottle or terrarium can be successful.