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NZ Plants

Hymenophyllum pulcherrimum - tufted filmy fern

Filmy fern family: Hymenophyllaceae

Hymenophyllum pulcherrimum is a mostly epiphytic filmy fern with erect or short- creeping stems (rhizomes) bearing long, pendulous rather crinkly fonds with sori arising on short branches near the ends of leaflets.
An endemic species found in montane forests from the middle of the North Island to lowland forest in the South Island.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Fertile frond and sporangia

Plant form: creeping rhizome with fronds up to 55 cm

Frond appearance: similar to sterile frond

Frond stalk, midrib: stalk wiry, hairless with prominent wing; midrib with wing.

Sporangium location: near ends of leaflets

Frond shape: elliptic

Sporangium position: at ends of short branches

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

Sporangia distribution: in groups (sori)

Frond surface: filmy, translucent

Sorus shape: rounded

Leaflets: oblong, wavy ,smooth margin

Sorus covering: indusium flaps smooth-edged

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