Zealandia pustulata
Microsorum pustulatum (or synonym Microsorum diversifolium (G.Forst), or synonym Phymatosorus diversifolius (Wild), or synonym Phymatosorus pustulatus (G.Forst), or synonym Polypodium diversifolium(Wild) is commonly referred to as Kangaroo fern because of its mature leaves tend to resemble the shape of a kangaroo foot. It is also referred to as hound's tongue', in Māori: kōwaowao, pāraharaha).[2]
| Zealandia pustulata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| In Upper Hutt beech forest, New Zealand. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Division: | Polypodiophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Polypodiales |
| Suborder: | Polypodiineae |
| Family: | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus: | Microsorum |
| Species: | M. pustulatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Microsorum pustulatum | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Description
This epiphytic fern species seems to climb onto suitable substrates (fallen logs, rocks, growing plants etc.) via long, creeping grey-green rhizomes. The rhizomes have clathrate, ovate scales which are 3-7 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. Generally, the species exhibits 1-9 pairs of lobed, glossy-green fronds which are erect to pendant and can range from 5-50 cm in length. The texture of the fronds is leathery, and they have thick, wavy margins. They have distinct, relatively large (approximately 3-4 mm wide) circular sori on their abaxial surface. The spores themselves are 45–62.5 µm long, 20–32.5 µm wide, pale, with wart-like protuberances [3].The species can grow to a maximum height of approximately 30 cm and a maximum width of approximately 120 cm.
Habitat and Distribution
Microsorum pustulatum is widespread and commonly described as both a lithophyte and epiphyte. They are evident across a range of Wet Sclerophyll Forest, Rainforest and more open Subalpine environments [4] with preferred growing conditions being in ferneries or gullies with partial to full shade.[5] The species is widely distributed across the East and South-East states of Australia and all throughout New Zealand. The species are described as middle storey species, but are evident anywhere from forest floors to canopies.[6] Microsorum pustulatum: underside of lamina with large, round or ovate, exindusiate sori and prominent reticulate veins.
Naming and Classification
micro = small, sorum = from sori, pustulatum= blistered Thus, the name is derived from the species' characteristic small, blistered (risen) sori on its abaxial surface. The species was first names by botanist G. Forst and was published in Copeland, E.B. (1947), Genera Filicum. [7] Whilst the species is accepted under the name Microsorum pustulatum according to the CHAH (2006), Australian Plant Census, it is also widely accepted under up to ten other synonyms. [8]
There is also a subspecies which is endemic to Lord Howe Island called Microsorum pustulatum subsp. howense [9]
See also
- Phlebodium aureum, similar looking fern
- Microsorum punctatum, another similar looking species
References
- Hassler, Michael & Schmitt, Bernd (January 2020). "Zealandia pustulata". Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World. Version 8.20. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
- Large MF, Braggins JE, Green PS (1992). "A new combination for Polypodium pustulatum Forster f. (Polypodiaceae)". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 30 (2): 207–208
- Tindale, M.D. 1961: Polypodiaceae. Contributions from the New South Wales Herbarium, Flora Series 210: 24–46
- G. Jordan, 2019.
- Brownlie, G. 1954: Introductory note to cyto-taxonomic studies of New Zealand ferns. Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand 82: 665–666. [as Microsorum diversifolium (Willd.) Copel.]
- C. Michael Hogan. 2009. Crown Fern: Blechnum discolor, Globaltwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg
- Copeland, E.B. 1947: Genera Filicum. Chronica Botanica Co., Waltham, Mass.
- Forster, J.G.A. 1786: Florulae Insularum Australium Prodromus. Dietrich, Göttingen.
- Green, P.S. 1994: Oceanic Islands, 1. Flora of Australia. Vol. 49. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. ABRS/CSIRO, Canberra and Melbourne.