Ferns
Adiantum aethiopicum - Common Maidenhair
10-45 cm x spreading
Carpeting groundcover fern. Fronds tufted aling vigorous rhizomes.
A well known and reliable fern which can cover large areas in ideal conditions. Suitable as a container or basket plant if kept moist and protected from drying winds.
Cyathea australis - Rough Tree-fern
5-15 m high
Upright fibrous trunk. Dark green triangular fronds.
Moist well drained soil tolerating short dry periods and some sun once established. Semi-shade to full shade.
Not easily transplanted.
Dicksonia antarctica - Soft Tree-fern
2-12 m high
Robust, erect trunk. Oblong fronds.
Moist humus-rich soil in humid high rainfall areas. Semi-shade to full sun.
Commonly sold as bare trunks in nurseries.
Blechnum rupestre - Small Rasp Fern
Synonyms: Doodia caudata
10-40 cm x 10-50 cm
Erect or weeping fern with narrow, dark green fronds.
Acidic, moist, peaty or humus-rich soils, tolerating a sunny position with ample moisture. Semi-shade to full shade.
Suitable for garden, pot or hanging basket.
Marsilea drummondii - Common Nardoo
Stripes 3-30 cm high
An aquatic plant with floating, 4-lobed leaves.
Boggy soil, subject to inundation, shallow water no deeper than 30 cm. Full sun, semi-shade.
Attractive in a pond.
Marsilea hirsuta - Short-fruit Nardoo
Stripes 2-18 cm
An aquatic plant with floating fronds.
Full sun, semi-shade.
Very susceptible to drought and changing climatic conditions.
Polystichum proliferum - Mother Shield Fern
0.25-1.5 m x 1-1.5 m
Tufted fern with long arching fonds.
Moist soils, tolerating dry periods once established. Semi-shade to full shade.
An excellent and reliable fern for gardens.
Pteris tremula - Tender Brake
0.6-1.5 m high
A very attractive fern. Fronds to 1.5 m long.
Moist well drained to poorly drained soils. Semi-shade to full shade.