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NZ Plants

Loxsoma cunninghamii

Family: Loxsomataceae

Loxsoma cunninghamii is a terrestrial fern with a creeping stem (rhizome) distinguished by ovate fronds with a pale-to white lower surface and protruding tubular, marginal sori.
An endemic genus with one species found in the upper half of the North Island on poor clay soils and light shade, most often at the edge of kauri forest.

Vegetative characteristics

Fertile frond and sporangia

Plant form: creeping stem with fronds up to 60 cm in length

Frond appearance: similar to sterile frond

Frond stalk, midrib: brown

Sporangium location: lower frond surface

Frond shape: oval

Sporangium position: in notches of leaflet margin

Frond blade: 3-4-pinnate (divided 3-4x into leaflets or pinnae)

Sporangia distribution: in groups (sori)

Frond surface: smooth, yellow green above, white below

Sorus shape: circular

Leaflets: oblong, broad with irregular margin   

Sorus covering: tubular, protruding from leaflet surface

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