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Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia

Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia H.Quirk & T.C.Chambers
Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia is a species of Australian rock fern in the family Pteridaceae. It is native to Southern Australia and was once a common understory plant along streams in moist areas. While it remains widespread in some remnant bushland, including the Adelaide Hills, its populations have been impacted by land clearance and invasive species.

Description

Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia was first described in 1983 by H. Quirk and T.C. Chambers. This fern is adapted to rocky habitats and is part of the genus Cheilanthes, which includes various rock fern species. Its distribution has declined due to habitat loss and competition from non-native plants. Despite these challenges, it persists in certain regions of Southern Australia, particularly in undisturbed bushland areas.

Synonyms

Hemionitis austrotenuifolia

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