Giant Fern - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Angiopteris evecta

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 19 Nov 2018

Description

The Giant Fern has huge, palm-like fronds up to 7 – 8 m long. The stems are thick, strong and green with a swollen base.

Distribution

Common in the Queensland wet tropics, rare in southern Queensland and only one plant known in the wild in NSW, in the Burringbar Range near Murwillumbah. Also found in south-east Asia, Polynesia, New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Habitat and ecology

Giant Ferns grow where water is abundant, usually close to creeks, in lowland rainforest or wet eucalypt forest, on a wide range of soil types.
The NSW plant is in regrowth rainforest in a wet gully.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly Lantana, Camphor Laurel and Indian Coral Tree.
Loss of habitat and potential habitat through clearing for development.
Fire.
Trampling by livestock.
No formal agreement in place to secure future conservation at the site

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect rainforests from fire.
Fence the known site and other areas of potential habitat to exclude livestock.
Remove weeds from the known site and other areas of potential habitat.
Protect known site and other areas of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest from clearing or disturbance.
Expand potential habitat near creeks by planting local rainforest trees.
Notify the OEH of any new records of Giant Fern in NSW.

Information sources

Hogbin, P. (2002) Review of the Threatened Species Conservation Act Flora Schedules: Recommendations to the Scientific Committee.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Recovery Plan for the Giant Fern (Angiopteris evecta). (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
Wilson, P.G. (2000) Angiopteris. P. 19 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition. (University of New South Wales Press, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Related information

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