Pyrrosia rupestris
Pyrrosia rupestris (R.Br.) Ching
Pyrrosia rupestris, known as the rock felt fern, is a fern species native to eastern Australia and parts of New Guinea. It thrives as an epiphyte or lithophyte in partially shaded, moist environments, commonly found in rainforests and moist eucalyptus forests. This species is adapted to arid conditions, as seen in its occurrence in the Warrumbungle National Park. During droughts, it becomes desiccated but recovers with rain or mist.
Description
Pyrrosia rupestris (R.Br.) Ching is a member of the Polypodiaceae family and is distributed across New Guinea, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Queensland, and Victoria. It is typically found growing on rainforest trees, often at elevated positions. The fern is well adapted to seasonal changes, with the ability to shrink and desiccate during dry periods and revive when moisture returns. Its resilience to environmental stress makes it a notable component of the flora in moist and semi-arid regions of its range.
Distribution
New Guinea · New South Wales · Norfolk Is. · Queensland · Victoria
Synonyms
Craspedaria rupestrisNiphobolus confluensNiphobolus rupestrisPolypodium rupestreCyclophorus rupestrisCyclophorus serpens var. rupestrisPolypodium confluens
