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Pleurosorus rutifolius in Black Hill, Morialta and Horsnell Gully Conservation Parks

ASPLENIACEAE

Pleurosorus rutifolius
Black Hill Conservation Park

Pleurosorus

From the Greek pleura, rib or side and sorus, a heap. This is a reference to the way the spore producing parts are streched along the veins on the backs of the leaves.

There are only 4 or 5 species in this genus, with only 2 species occuring in Australia We have only one species listed in our Parks. This genus comprises of small hairy ferns.

Pleurosorus rutifolius, Clubbed Blanket fern
The name rutifolius means with leaves like the genus Ruta. (this genus include the common rue, Ruta graveolens).

Fronds growing up to about 18cm long, often growing in rock crevices and in the shelter of large rocks. The species is wide spread in Australia, and is also found in New Zealand. It is said that the fronds are able to become green again after drying out and going brown.

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