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NZ Plants

Schizaea fistulosa

Family name: Schizaeaceae

Schizaea fistulosa is a terrestrial fern with a short-creeping stem (rhizome. The frond consists of an erect reed-like stipe (stalk) that is undivided and a terminal portion bearing reduced, infolded fertile leaflets. Sporangia are in rows and not arranged into distinct sori.

Found on the Three Kings Islands, northern and central portions of the North Island and the north-west portion of the South Island in lowland open scrub or in open kauri forest.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Fertile frond and sporangia

Plant form: creeping stems with fronds up to 50 cm in length

Frond appearance: taller than sterile frond

Frond stalk, midrib: undivided, glossy, leathery, rough

Sporangium location: on reduced fertile leaflets at tip of stipe

Frond shape: reed-like

Sporangium position: on infolded fertile leaflet surface

Frond blade: oblong, 7-30 mm; divided 1 time (pinnate), infolded leaflets

Sporangia distribution: in one row either side of midrib

Frond surface: glossy, leathery, hairs

Sorus shape: 0

Leaflets: sterile leaflets absent

Sporangium covering:  inrolled leaflet margins

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