Scientific Name: Rumohra adiantiformis

Common Name: leathery shieldfern

Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes

Family: Dryopteridaceae

Form Description: Has long, creeping, scaly rhizome; glossy, leathery , triangular fronds up to 120cm long, semi-erect; stipes grooved on upper surface.

Height (m): 0.25 – 1.2

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationDry Eucalypt ForestRainforestWet Eucalypt Forest
Habitat Notes

Widespread and abundant to 500m (rarely 900m). Sometimes epiphytic on Dicksonia and a range of tree species and rotting logs. Will tolerate salt laden winds in coastal situations.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Moist, Rocky, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Very hardy; clump or slow spreading. Easily raised from spores. Very easy to grow once established. Resents disturbance and is best grown on a slab or hanging basket in epiphyte mixture. Water 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 dark rounded sori with shield-like indusia. 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. Resents disturbance.