Lesser Creeping 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: Arthropteris palisotii

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

The Lesser Creeping Fern grows on trees. Its creeping stem is branched and wiry and covered with dark scales. The shiny green fronds are up 30 cm long with thinly leathery leaflets. Spores are borne on the underside of the leaflets in circular clumps.

Distribution

Located on the Illawarra Escarpment, North-eastern NSW and also in Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in rainforest, mainly on tree trunks.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Destruction, disturbance and fragmentation of rainforest habitat.
Risk of local extinction due to low numbers.
Lack of information on the species in NSW to inform a conservation management strategy

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 areas of rainforest from clearing or disturbance.
Report any records of Lesser Creeping Fern to the OEH.
Conduct targeted surveys in suitable habitat.

Information sources

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
Jones, D.L. and Clemesha, S.C. (1993) Australian Ferns and Fern Allies. (The Currawong Press, Chatswood)
Wilson, P.G. (2000) Arthropteris. Pp. 63-4 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

NSW North Coast	Cataract	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Comboyne Plateau	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Illawarra	Known	None

Images

Illustration, Lesser Creeping Fern Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Related information

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Nature conservation

Threatened species