Needle-leaf Fern - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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: Belvisia mucronata

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 30 Nov 2001

Profile last updated: 13 Mar 2023

Description

This fern has an underground stem that is densely covered with dark coloured scales. Fronds are up to 45 cm long, with a 1-5 cm stem. There are two different forms of fronds; those with and those without spores. Fronds with spores have a long (10-25 cm) tail-like tip section which contains the plant's reproductive spores on the lower side. The tips can be entire, bifurcate to trifurcate

Distribution

In Australia, this species is restricted to Queensland and NSW. In NSW, it is known from only five locations on the far north coast, north from Conglomerate State Forest, near Coffs Harbour.

Habitat and ecology

Forms small clumps on trees or rocks in dry rainforest or along creeks in moist open forest.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Fire.
Forestry activities.
Weed invasion, particularly Lantana.

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 dry rainforest from fire.
Protect areas of habitat during forestry activities.
Assist with weed control activities in rainforest and moist open forest habitat.

Information sources

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Belvisia mucronata (a fern) - Endangered species determination - final.
Wilson, P.G. (2000) Belvisia. Pp. 40 & 558 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	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Predicted	None
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Related information

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species