Scientific Name: Microsorum pustulatum subsp. pustulatum

Common Name: kangaroo fern

Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes

Family: Polypodiaceae

Form Description: Male fronds upright, strap-like; female fronds shaped like a kangaroo’s paw. Fronds variable in size (5-50cm) and shape, from simple up to 8 pairs of lateral lobes.

Height (m): 0.05 – 0.5

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetFlindersGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationDry Eucalypt ForestRainforestWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Widespread and abundant from sea level to at least 850m within boulder grottos on low mountain summits. Grows on rocks or logs and is epiphytic on Dicksonia and a range of tree species in rainforest, wet sclerophyll, fern gullies and sheltered sites in dry sclerophyll forest. Will tolerate salt laden winds in coastal situations.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Shady

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Very hardy; clump or slow spreading; suits hanging baskets if watered regularly.

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

Spores borne on backs of female fronds appearing as prominent brown circular patches. Spores become darker when mature.

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.