Indicative distribution
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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Drynaria rigidula
Gazetted date:
04 Aug 1998
Profile last updated:
17 Sep 2019
Description
The Basket Fern grows in a large clump, and has two quite different frond types. The lower ‘nest’ fronds, are short, papery, brown and shaped like an oak-leaf. The green, more erect fronds may be up to 2 m in length and are segmented into many blunt-toothed leaflets on short stalks. Round clumps of spores occur in two rows on the backs of the leaflets, making a bulge on the front of the leaflet. The green fronds may be lost during dry periods.
Distribution
Occurs widely in eastern Queensland as well as islands of the Pacific and parts of south-east Asia. In NSW it is only found north of the Clarence River, in a few locations at Maclean, Bogangar, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, in the Tweed Valley and at Woodenbong.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on plants, rocks or on the ground,
- Usually found in rainforest but also in moist eucalypt and Swamp Oak forest.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through clearing for agriculture and development.
- Frequent fires, as the plant has limited tolerance for fire.
- Browsing and trampling by domestic stock.
- Invasion of weeds and habitat degradation, which limits opportunities for establishment of young plants.
- Removal of forest understorey, resulting in loss of habitat.
- Risk of local extinction because numbers are low.
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
- Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
- Protect areas of rainforest, moist eucalypt and swamp forest from fire.
- Fence areas of habitat to exclude stock.
- Control weeds in rainforest, moist eucalypt and swamp forests.
- Protect known and potential habitat from clearing and development.
- Enhance and expand rainforest, moist eucalypt and swamp forest habitats.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Drynaria rigidula (a fern) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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